Woman arraigned for fatal wrong-way crash

WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) -- A young woman faced a judge Wednesday in connection with a deadly wrong-way crash in Waterbury.

She claimed to be a passenger, but police say the Waterbury woman was actually behind the wheel in the wrong-way crash that killed her friend.

They gather to restore the memory of their friend, 20-year-old Amanda Grenier. When she died in a wrong-way crash on I-84, the other girl in the car blamed it on Amanda claiming she was the one behind the wheel.

"We all knew that those who really knew Amanda knew that she wasn't driving," said Jennalee Kronic.

The first news accounts even said Amanda was driving, but nine months later the other girl in the car, 20-year-old Kaleigh Morgan was charged with manslaughter, drunk driving and making a false statement.

Detectives say it was in part because a friend and eyewitness to the crash changed her account of who she saw behind the wheel.

"If people had been truthful then it could go a lot quicker and smoother and we wouldn't have to re-live the death of our friend," said Jessica McCullough.

However, defense lawyer Martin Minella tells News 8 his client wasn't driving, she is sticking to her story and is willing to take a lie detector test.

"We don't have to prove she is innocent," defense attorney Martin Minella said. "They have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that she was driving the car. My client, while intoxicated, I think they are going to have a tough time doing that."

Investigators say the trail of blood tells the truth of who was driving. Large amounts of blood were found on the passenger side of the car and it was the victim bleeding so heavily that it soaked her blonde hair red.

"We all had faith and justice is finally happening, so we are happy to see that and we hope it continues."

Court records detail that both had been drinking together, as had the eyewitness police are citing as the reason for the arrest. For Amanda's friends, the real story is finally out there.

"We knew that she wasn't driving the car and we want the truth to be told so that she could rest in peace."

Morgan is free on bond and due back in court next month.