SOUTH TEXAS (1080 KRLD) - Conroe police say Vanessa Vanatten's blood alcohol level was nearly double the legal limit after she left a bar at around 9:45 p.m.on October 25, 2018. That's when investigators say she struck and killed Diana Chain who was out walking.
Officers say Vanatten almost hit Chain's nephew who was walking ahead of her. He called 911.
Vanatten told police she hit someone. She has now pleaded guilty to intoxication manslaughter and is sentenced to 15 years in prison.
After the court accepted the plea agreement and pronounced sentence, Vanatten heard victim impact statements from Chain's sister and cousin. Vanatten cried and apologized as they told her about the lasting damage her actions have caused their family; that Chain's adult special needs son no longer has the person who has taken care of him for his entire life.
"This plea is a direct result of the great work done by the Crash Investigators, Patrol Officers, and Crime Scene Investigators of the Conroe Police Department. They did a detailed and thorough investigation and because of that we were able to hold Ms. Vanatten accountable for her actions. Sadly, this case is another example that those killed are not the only victims of impaired drivers.
The life that Ms. Vanatten took and the damage that she has caused to Diana Chain's family cannot be undone." said Vehicular Crimes Chief Andrew James.
