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Teen admits guilt in crash

Meagan Spice was driving when her SUV crashed, killing James Thomas.

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By Lauren Pack, Staff Writer Updated 10:23 AM Thursday, April 23, 2009

OXFORD TWP. — A Talawanda High School student admitted guilt in court Wednesday, April 22, in the death of a fellow student killed Feb. 20 in an automobile accident.

Meagan Spice, 16, of Somers Twp. in Preble County, was charged last month with misdemeanor vehicular homicide, failure to control and a seat belt violation in connection with the accident that claimed the life of James Quincy Thomas, 16, also of Preble County.

Last month the case was transferred from Butler County Juvenile Court to Preble County Juvenile Court because Spice and the victim lived in that county, according to Butler County court officials.

Preble County Juvenile Judge Bill Dues said Spice appeared with her attorney, Paris Ellis, and entered a plea of admit, which is the juvenile court equivalent to pleading guilty.

There was no evidence presented in the short hearing.

Dues said a sentencing date has not yet been set. Spice could receive up to 90 days behind bars in a juvenile facility.

According to Oxford Twp. police, driver inattention and speed were factors in the accident.

Investigators determined that Spice was driving a Chevrolet Blazer when it went left of center, skidded, then flipped and struck a tree. Spice was injured in the crash.

The speed limit on the roadway in the 4800 block of Somerville Road is 55 mph and crime scene investigators estimate Spice was traveling between 58 and 62 mph at the time of the crash, according to police.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2168 or lpack@coxohio.com.

Meagan Spice

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