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On May 1, Enterprise resident Andrea Stacy entered a guilty plea to the charge of Manslaughter in connection to the death of Ariton resident Brittanie Ferguson.

According to a release by 12th Judicial Circuit District Attorney James Tarbox, evidence in the case showed that on Dec. 23, 2021, Stacy was traveling in the wrong lane of traffic on Highway 27 in Enterprise when her vehicle struck the vehicle driven by Ferguson. Though Enterprise Fire and Rescue attempted life saving measures at the scene, Ferguson succumbed to the injuries suffered in the crash and passed away in route to Medical Center Enterprise.

According to the release, Stacy smelled of alcohol and was witnessed holding a wine bottle. Her blood was drawn and the sample was sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences. Testing showed that Stacy’s blood alcohol content was .212, more than two times the legal limit.

Ferguson appeared in the courtroom of Circuit Court Judge Sonny Reagan of Coffee County and entered her guilty plea on May 1. Based on a negotiated settlement, Stacy was sentenced to 20 years in the Alabama Department of Corrections, which will split for three years executed and the balance of 17 years suspended for five years of supervised probation.

“Today’s outcome will not bring Brittanie Ferguson back, but it should serve as a reminder to anyone who may drink and drive that there are consequences for your actions,” Tarbox said. “In this case, Brittanie Ferguson and her family have paid the ultimate price for Defendant Stacy’s actions. After being released from custody, Defendant Stacy will have to abide by the terms and conditions of probation or risk having to serve another 17 years in prison.”