A tragic car crash that occurred in Wichita Falls, Texas, in 2022 has now led to a prison sentence for the woman responsible.
Allyson Renea Forbins, 60, pleaded guilty on Friday to charges of intoxication manslaughter and intoxicated assault related to a deadly wreck that killed Natalie Jo Brown and injured her husband, Scotty Lee Brown.
Sentenced to 5 Years for Each Count
Court documents show that Forbins was sentenced to five years in prison for each charge. The terms will run concurrently, meaning at the same time. The sentence was handed down by Judge Jeff McKnight of the 30th District Court as part of a plea deal reached with the Wichita County District Attorney’s Office.
She is currently being held in Wichita County Jail and is awaiting transfer to a state prison facility, according to online jail records.
What Happened on July 22, 2022?
The fatal accident occurred on July 22, 2022, when Forbins, then living in Wichita Falls but now a resident of Arlington, Texas, was driving a Kia Sportage westbound on Iowa Park Road.
According to affidavits filed in court, Forbins attempted to pass another vehicle using the center turn lane, but instead swerved into oncoming traffic and crashed into a GMC Terrain.
Inside the Terrain were 57-year-old Natalie Jo Brown and her husband Scotty Lee Brown, 60, both residents of Wichita Falls. Natalie, who was a passenger, died from her injuries on August 4, 2022, while Scotty suffered serious injuries.
Forbins Was Drunk at the Time of the Crash
Forbins told investigators she couldn’t remember much about the crash but admitted to drinking alcohol earlier that day. A blood test sent to a crime lab showed that her blood-alcohol level was 0.260 percent—more than three times the legal limit of 0.08 percent.
She had been released on $75,000 bail since the incident, but after her sentencing on Friday, she was taken into custody immediately to begin her prison term.
Legal Consequences of the Charges
Under Texas law:
- Intoxication manslaughter is a second-degree felony, carrying a punishment of 2 to 20 years in prison.
- Intoxicated assault with a vehicle is a third-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison.
Since Forbins accepted a plea agreement, she will serve 5 years total, as the two sentences will run at the same time.