Pelser pleads guilty to traffic charge in connection with 2008 fatal crash

Gale Pelser, 74, Eldridge, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of careless and imprudent driving Monday. Judge Joseph B. Phillips sentenced Pelser to a $500 fine, suspended 60 days in jail, with two years probation.

In addition the Missouri State Highway Patrol must certify that Pelser is competent to retain his driving privileges and Pelser must pass an Alive After 55 or similar program.

Pelser was accused of passing vehicles in a no-passing zone on a hill and running head-on into the pickup driven by Cory Martin, 17. The wreck took the lives of Martin and Emily Ann DeBrine, 15, both of Nevada, Nov. 26, 2008.

The families of the teens have tried to convince authorities to charge Pelser with a felony such as vehicular homicide but have been unsuccessful.

A wrongful death suit was brought by the parents of the two teens and each family was awarded $100,000 in July according to Case.net, a Web site that features information about legal matters before the courts.

A foundation, the Emily Ann DeBrine Foundation was established following her funeral to further the interests DeBrine would have pursued had she lived. Scholarships were developed for Lady Tiger Golf and humanitarianism. Emily earned a varsity letter in golf in 2007. She participated in other activities such as YMCA volleyball, softball, and the student council. More information about the scholarships can be found at www.emilyanndebrine.com.