Felony Charges Against Colby McCreary Amended to Misdemeanor

(HILLSBORO)   A De Soto man originally charged with two Class “C” felonies as the result of a traffic accident last Spring in which his wife died, is now only facing a reduced charge of driving while intoxicated, a Class “B” misdemeanor.  Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Trisha C. Stefanski announced the amendment of the charges against Colby McCreary on Friday.

McCreary’s wife, 28-year-old Savannah, died in the accident that occurred at 1am on April 30, 2023 on southbound I-55, a mile south of the Herculaneum exit according to Festus Police.

Stefanski’s press release has ten “bullet” points, spelling out the findings of a full crash reconstruction report by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Among the points: a passenger in a second vehicle that had been traveling with the McCreary vehicle indicated she had “put her butt in the window” as they passed the McCreary vehicle in the left lane just prior to the crash.

Other points include: that neither person in the vehicle was wearing a seat belt. The vehicle was traveling at a speed of 74 miles per hour at the point of impact. Both occupants of the vehicle were ejected. Savannah’s lower body was exposed.

Stefanski stated, “Given the findings in the crash reconstruction report, we believe there is now a reasonable doubt as to whether Colby McCreary committed the offenses with which he was originally charged.”

Stefanski complimented the Highway Patrol on its investigation.

According to Stefanski, it was a combination of the findings that led to the charges being amended.

Stefanski says her office will continue to pursue the charges that are supported by the evidence.