In a tragic incident that unfolded in Forest County, Wisconsin, a woman has been charged with reckless homicide following the death of her husband, allegedly caused by her driving under the influence. Fifty-year-old Mary Jane Terry was involved in a series of events that led to the fatal accident, which has shocked the local community and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
On a late October evening, law enforcement received a distressing 911 call reporting a man lying injured on Highway 8 in Leona. Responding deputies found Donald Britain Jr. deceased on the roadway, prompting an investigation that quickly turned towards his wife, Mary, as the primary suspect. Initial statements from Mary, however, raised eyebrows as she attempted to distance herself from the scene, claiming she had not run her husband over.
When questioned by authorities, Mary insisted that she had not been driving the truck that struck her husband. She stated she was at home and had only come outside after noticing something had happened. Despite her claims, investigators found her pickup truck parked nearby, showing significant damage consistent with having struck a person. As the questioning continued, her story appeared increasingly inconsistent, leading deputies to conduct sobriety tests.
Mary’s demeanor shifted from denial to despair as deputies informed her of the grim outcome of the incident. “Is he still alive?” she pleaded with a deputy, who had to break the heartbreaking news that Donald was deceased. This revelation prompted a further escalation in her emotional state, yet she continued to assert her innocence.
The investigation revealed that just hours before the tragedy, Mary was seen on surveillance footage purchasing beer at a local gas station, a detail that would later contribute to her charges. The couple had reportedly been drinking prior to the incident and had a history of arguments, often stemming from issues related to alcohol consumption.
During her police interview, Mary maintained that she was not responsible for her husband’s death, despite evidence suggesting otherwise. Her blood alcohol content was later measured at 0.298, nearly four times the legal limit in Wisconsin, leading to charges of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle.
As the case progressed, the gravity of the situation became apparent. Initially facing a first-degree intentional homicide charge, Mary ultimately accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to the lesser charge of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle. The court sentenced her to ten years in prison, followed by ten years of extended supervision.
This tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences of driving under the influence and the complex dynamics that can arise in relationships affected by alcohol. The community mourns the loss of Donald Britain Jr., while Mary now faces the long-term repercussions of her actions, serving as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with impaired driving.