Breaking News for Culpeper and Warrenton Accident Victims

Manslaughter conviction for drunk driver in Stafford DUI death

Posted on Oct 28, 2010

A driver accused of driving while intoxicated and heading the wrong-way on I-95 in Stafford has been convicted for her role in the death of a motorist in February.

The driver, Stafford resident Vickie Lane Beach, 58, was accused of drinking alcohol in a restaurant before the accident, and was found with a blood alcohol level (BAC) of 0.10. This is over the legal BAC limit in Virginia which is 0.08.

Beach was driving her 2010 Mercedes-Benz sedan east on Courthouse Road when she headed onto an I-95 exit ramp. Police stated that she drove south on the northbound exit ramp, crossed two lanes of the highway, and entered the northbound left lane.

After traveling less than a mile, Beach struck head-on a 2005 Chrysler Sebring that was headed north in that lane. The driver of the Sebring, Rachel T. Benezra, 55, was in town from Staten Island, N.Y. Benezra was driving alone when the accident happened, as was Beach

Both women drivers were taken to Mary Washington Hospital to be treated for their injuries after the wreck. Beach survived, however Benezra died at the hospital from her injuries several hours later.

Beach pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter DUI (a felony) and driving under the influence (a misdemeanor) in court. She was found guilty, her bond was revoked, and she will face sentencing in December. She faces up to 10 years in jail for the felony conviction and up to a year for the misdemeanor.