SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) - A Missouri woman charged with murder in the road rage death of another motorist admitted after the crash to being on drugs, police said.
Authorities in Springfield said Elizabeth McKeown, 46, told officers she had taken several drugs prior to the Nov. 20 crash, including heroin and MDMA, the Springfield News-Leader reported.
McKeown, who previously worked as a nurse until her license was suspended for stealing prescription painkillers, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of 57-year-old Barbara Foster.
McKeown told investigators during an interview after the crash she became upset while sitting in rush-hour traffic behind Foster's car and "decided to hit" the vehicle. After the initial crash, Foster exited her car to assess the damage, according to the probable cause statement. McKeown told police she "tricked" Foster and tried to "make her think I was going to be nice, be still and everything" but instead "slammed into her and cut her in half."
McKeown dragged Foster 58 feet before getting into another wreck a couple of blocks away, prosecutors said. Witnesses at the second crash site boxed in McKeown's car until police arrived.
According to search warrant documents, McKeown showed several signs of impairment during field sobriety tests, but her Breathalyzer test indicated a 0.0 blood alcohol level.
The Springfield Police Department hasn't yet determined if McKeown was under the influence of any drug at the time. The department is waiting for blood test results.
McKeown's attorney didn't immediately respond to the newspaper's request for comment.
McKeown is being held without bond at Greene County Jail.