SEQUIM — It may be a month before the Washington State Patrol finishes its investigation into a New Year’s Eve crash that killed three young area residents.
However, Lt. Ken Smelser said Thursday that alcohol definitely played a role in the crash on Palo Alto Road.
Paul Boynton, 22, and Aaron Gambell and Heather Holden, both 19, were killed in the crash.
Driver Mary K. Kniskern, 26, of Sequim, and passengers Courtney P. West, 20, of Port Angeles, and Stuart Bury, 19, of Sequim were injured. None of the survivors suffered life-threatening injuries.
All were treated at Olympic Medical Center in Port Angeles.
Kniskern was advised of her Miranda rights before being taken to the hospital by ambulance.
A blood sample was taken from Kniskern, but the results of blood-alcohol level tests are not yet available.
Reading of those rights — which include the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney — is often a precursor to arrest, but Kniskern hadn’t been arrested as of Thursday.
Kniskern could be charged with three counts of vehicular homicide, a felony which could bring a prison sentence and fine if she is convicted.
She could also face related charges.
No determinations have been made in the case.
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