Ark. woman whose 3 kids drowned pleads guilty

3/16/2010 09:41:23 AM

MORRILTON, Ark. – A woman who drove into a lake after a late-night party, killing her three young sons, pleaded guilty Tuesday to three counts of child endangerment after tearfully telling the court she had been drinking alcohol the night of the accident.

Circuit Judge Jerry Don Ramey sentenced Amber Turley, 27, to three two-year prison terms, to run concurrently. She will also be on probation for four years after her release.

Turley, of Plumerville, sobbed as she told the Conway County court that she drank alcohol at a party before getting into the car for the drive home in the early morning hours of April 19. Witnesses also told investigators that she smoked marijuana at the party.

Turley did not recount in court the details of what led to the crash. She didn't comment as she was led away after the hearing by a court official.

After the hearing, prosecutor Tom Tatum said Turley had been drinking the night of the hearing, became disoriented and made a wrong turn. He said she had been arguing with her "ex-spouse," her boyfriend and the children that night, and that she was driving in a thunderstorm.

Investigators said Turley's blood alcohol content the night of the crash was .05 percent, beneath the state's .08 percent legal limit. She also allegedly tested positive for marijuana and a prescription depressant.

James Turley, the boys' father, said after the hearing that his estranged wife has apologized.

"Yes, several times. She's hurting, too." He said the boys wouldn't want to see their mother in trouble.

After Amber Turley was sentenced, Pat Bradley, who identified herself as an aunt to the boys, read a statement in court on behalf of James Turley and other family members.

"I have no vengeance in my heart," she said to Amber Turley.

"You making some very bad choices. You brought us to a point in our life that no father or grandparent should ever have to face," Bradley said.

"No matter what path you pick in life, never forget that moment that took our boys from us, and please never repeat the act that caused this. We hope it was not worth all the so-called fun you had that night."

After she finished reading, Bradley and Amber Turley hugged and sobbed. Outside of court, Bradley said she believes Amber Turley should have received a longer sentence.

Tatum said after the hearing that Turley will spend at least a year in prison, receive substance abuse treatment and counseling, and have a year to contemplate her actions.