Women Charged with DUI Death Pleads Not Guilty

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A woman who was arrested for striking a D.C. resident while chemically impaired was arraigned April 12 on second-degree murder charges.

Briana Miller was also charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or a drug and reckless driving. The defendant’s action allegedly led to the death of D.C. resident Delane Scales on July 8, 2017.

According to the Gernstein, Miller  apparently lost control of the Hyundai she was driving, mounted a curb, struck a parked vehicle, hit a tree and stuck the decedent, dragging him until the Hyundai hit a fire hydrant. The Gernstein said the responding officer smelled a heavy odor of PCP, a drug that has mind altering affects, on the defendant.

Miller pled not guilty to the charges and is currently released on bond.

Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe granted a request for continuance so the defense could determine how to proceed. A status hearing is scheduled for July 13.

According to the prosecution, a plea agreement may be offered by July.