Plea expected in fatal drunken driving wreck

YERINGTON -- A Silver Springs mother accused in a car crash that resulted in the death of two children and the injury of seven others is expected to plead guilty later this month to two counts of causing death while driving under the influence.

Kimberly Kautz, 31, waived a preliminary hearing in Dayton Justice Court on Wednesday in anticipation of the plea agreement. In exchange for her plea the Lyon County District Attorney's Office will drop four other charges.

Deputy District Attorney Bob Auer said he believes the agreement is "sufficient."

Kautz is scheduled to appear for an arraignment Oct. 21 in the Third Judicial District Court in Yerington. She is free on a $10,000 bail.

Each count has a minimum prison sentence of two years and a maximum term of 20 years. The sentencing judge will determine whether the time will be served consecutive or concurrent.

Dani Jo Baker, 11, who suffered from cerebral palsy, was pronounced dead at the crash scene. Jennifer O'Brien, 14, died early the following morning at Washoe Medical Center in Reno.

Dani Jo's brother, Dakota Baker, 12, and sister Destiny Baker, 14, cousin Randi "Missy" Beal, 15, Shaelyn Keep, 2, and friend Clinton Craiglowe were treated and released.

Kautz's son, Zachary Saylor, was injured seriously and since the accident has gone to live with his father in Oregon.

The prosecution contends Kautz consumed up to 12 alcoholic drinks while at Lahontan Reservoir. Kautz, who has lived in the Silver Springs area for four years, is a Cub Scout den mother and youth soccer coach.