The Manslaughter Case Against Sheila Whitler
Defendant Sheila Whitler
On November 27, 2007, Sheila Whitler was driving her silver Porsche Boxter on the inner loop of Man O’War. Other drivers who saw her driving observed what appeared to them to be reckless and dangerous driving. At the intersection of Lyon Drive, Ms. Whitler’s car struck and killed 31-year-old John Vice. He was thrown a significant distance and one of his legs was severed. Ms. Whitler was driving with a 0.17 blood alcohol level (over twice the legal limit). In addition, there were a number of prescription drugs in her blood and urine.
Prosecutor Lori Boling
Sheila Whitler was charged by the Fayette County Grand Jury with Manslaughter in the Second Degree. In late 2009, she went to trial. After two days, she asked to change her plea to guilty as charged. The Commonwealth recommended seven years in prison and Judge Pamela Goodwine followed that recommendation.
Listen to prosecutors Ray Larson, Lori Boling and Collision Reconstruction Supervisor Sgt. Paul Simms discuss this case with host Jack Pattie on the January 8, 2010 episode of American D.A. – LIVE.
