Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

The woman accused of causing the fiery crash that resulted in the death of 16-year-old Samantha Marie Beaudette on Route 95 in Pawtucket three years ago changed her plea from not guilty to no contest this morning.

Kellie Woodbine, who was disfigured in the crash, entered the plea before Judge Mark A. Pfeiffer in Superior Court.

Woodbine, 29, of Cumberland, pleaded no contest to driving while intoxicated, death resulting and reckless driving, death resulting.

The charges carry a maximum possible sentence of 25 years in prison. But as a result of a plea agreement between Woodbine's attorney, Steven D. DiLibero, and Assistant Attorney General Stephen Regine, the sentence will be capped at eight years in prison, and Judge Pfeiffer will have the option of imposing less prison time at sentencing on Sept. 10.

In court, Regine said the state would have proven that Woodbine, with Beaudette as a passenger, was traveling 96 mph. in a borrowed 2003 Chevy Avalanche when she lost control on the Pawtucket S curve, struck a barrier in the low-speed lane, skidded 75 feet and struck the Broadway overpass bridge abutment, causing the SUV to burst into flames.

-- Journal staff writer John Castellucci

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