Driver who hit young bicyclist pleads guilty to DUI causing death

Wednesday, June 1, 2005 | 9:06 a.m.

A 30-year-old woman accused of being under the influence of drugs when she drove her car into an 8-year-old bicyclist pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of driving under the influence causing death in exchange for two other charges being dropped.

Kimberly Bunch had previously pleaded not guilty to that charge and one count each of reckless driving and involuntary manslaughter for the May 5, 2004, crash that left Justyne Steffee in a coma from which she never recovered.

Justyne was pronounced dead on May 19, 2004, at University Medical Center. The Clark County coroner's office determined that she died from the injuries she suffered in the crash.

Bunch, who is scheduled for sentencing before District Judge Joseph Bonaventure on Aug. 17, choked up and fought away tears as she entered her guilty plea and told Bonaventure she understood the nature of the negotiation.

Under the agreement prosecutors retain the right to argue at sentencing, which could see Bonaventure issue a two to 20 year prison term.

Blood test results taken by North Las Vegas police indicated Bunch was under the influence of methamphetamines and marijuana while driving her Chevrolet Lumina northbound on Revere Street. Police said she was driving between 57 and 62 mph when she hit Justyne, who was traveling with the flow of westbound traffic while crossing the street on her bicycle at Craig Creek, police said. The speed limit there is 35 mph.

Bunch continues to be on house arrest after posting $35,000 bail. Under the conditions of her house arrest, she is allowed to visit her attorney, go to the store and go to the pharmacy, but only if someone else drives.

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