Gainesville Woman Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Fatal DUI Crash

Ronesha Nichole Butler, 32, was convicted of DUI manslaughter Wednesday and sentenced to seven years in prison followed by three years of probation. 

Facing up to 15 years in prison, Butler took a plea deal that was accepted by Judge David Kreider. 

According to the police report, Butler and the two victims were driving through Alachua County, headed back from Jacksonville, when she drove headfirst into a utility pole. One of the victims died in the hospital while the other sustained a broken collarbone. 

The surviving victim told police that Butler had stopped at a gas station on their way home, where she bought and consumed alcohol.  He said that moments before the crash, Butler and the victims were arguing, and she threatened to kill them. 

A witness told police he “observed very reckless driving, to include the vehicle losing control and going off the road. The vehicle slowed, and [Butler] was able to regain control and pass him at a high rate of speed."

Butler’s driving license was suspended at the time of the incident. 

The Gainesville Police Department published a press release on Butler's sentencing that states, "Alcohol was located within the crashed vehicle. Butler was transported from the scene with incapacitating injuries. At the hospital, based on Butler’s incoherent demeanor and injuries, blood was drawn upon admittance. Butler’s blood alcohol content was found to be 188 mg/dL (.188 g/100mL)."

Butler’s plea deal requires her to undergo treatment for drugs and alcohol and ensures she will never have a driver’s license again.