A Central City woman charged with hitting and killing a bicyclist with her car in 2018 has taken a plea deal.
Melinda Lawrence was originally charged with first-degree murder, homicide by vehicle and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. According to the plea deal, she plead guilty to vehicular homicide while armed with a dangerous weapon.
Authorities say Lawrence hit and killed Jeffrey Scott of Central City while he was riding his bike late one August night in 2018. Scott died at the scene. Police say Lawrence left the scene knowing that Scott was injured and when she was later stopped and questioned by police she passed out. Lawrence was rushed to the hospital where a blood sample showed her blood alcohol level was 0.168. more than double the legal limit to drive.
Lawrence faces up to 40 years in prison. A sentencing date has not been set yet.