- April 23, 2024
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Barbara Dunn's blood alcohol level was more than three times the legal limit, according to the State Attorney’s Office.
BY THE OBSERVER STAFF
A 78-year-old Massachusetts woman was sentenced to 10 years in prison Wednesday, following a no-contest plea to Driving Under the Influence manslaughter.
Barbara Dunn entered an open plea in February, for charges pending since March 17, 2012, when she crashed into a motorcyclist on State Road A1A, just north of Ormond by the Sea.
In addition to the prison term, Dunn was sentenced to five years probation and had her driver’s license permanently revoked.
Charles Bixler was pronounced dead at the scene and Stephen Forstner’s left leg had to be amputated. The State’s Attorney’s Office said Dunn’s blood draw indicated a .272 and .277 blood alcohol level, which is more than three times the legal limit.
Dunn pled no contest to three charges, including DUI manslaughter, DUI causing serious bodily injury and DUI with damage to a person.
According to the charging affidavit, Dunn was traveling northbound on A1A when she crossed into the southbound lane, causing two motorcyclists to steer into the shoulder to avoid a collision.
Dunn struck the third motorcycle, ridden by Bixler. The other two riders were transported to local medical centers.
Dunn was unable to complete the field sobriety exercises law enforcement conducted at the scene.
Officers noted she had a strong odor of alcohol on her breath at the scene, and then a blood sample was taken.
