News Release



For further information please contact: Sgt. D.S. Bracker

(417) 895-6767 ext. 253

D2006-06

February 23, 2006



EMPHASIS: Defendant,Wendy Chesher, Pleads to Charges in Corporal Sampietro's Death





Wendy Chesher, defendant in connection with the August 17, 2005 death of Missouri State Highway Patrol Corporal Jay Sampietro appeared in Webster County Court, Marshfield, Missouri, and pled guilty to second-degree involuntary manslaughter. Ms. Chesher received a suspended sentence.



In September of 2005 Webster County Prosecuting Attorney, Cynthia Black, filed second-degree involuntary manslaughter charges against Wendy Chesher in connection with an incident that occurred when Ms. Chester’s vehicle struck and killed Corporal Jay Sampietro on Interstate I-44 as he directed traffic.



In agreement with the plea Ms.Chesher will serve five years probation, seven days of shock time, and participate in a Patrol educational video to promote highway safety through the “Move Over” campaign.



In light of today’s events the Missouri State Highway Patrol continues to strongly enforce the “Move Over or Slow Down” law that protects law enforcement officers and emergency responders working alongside our roadways.