McCreary Charged with DWI, Involuntary Manslaughter in Crash that Killed His Wife

(HILLSBORO)  A former Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy, 29 year old Colby McCreary is being charged with driving while intoxicated and involuntary manslaughter in connection with a vehicle crash that killed his wife in Festus.  The accident occurred on April 30th when Colby McCreary crashed his Jeep on southbound I-55, fatally injuring his wife, 28 year old Savannah who died at Mercy Hospital South.

It’s alleged by Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Trisha Stefanski that McCreary had a blood alcohol content of .17% or twice the legal limit at the time of the accident.

According to a news release from Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Marshak, McCreary was booked Tuesday at the Jefferson County jail and was released on a $10,000 surety bond. Marshak also stated in the release that McCreary no longer works for the Sheriff’s Department.

“The allegations are disheartening and, if true, are not consistent with our values and expectations of our employees,” Marshak said in his statement.

Marshak also states— “the Sheriff’s Office learned about the crash and that one victim would likely die. Sheriff’s Lt. Col. Tim Whitney called Festus police Chief Doug Wendel to ask about the crash and, if necessary, offer investigative support. Whitney was told that Festus police had wrapped up the investigation, and the driver showed no signs of impairment.”

According to Marshak, 10 days after the crash his office was contacted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and that the Festus Police requested them to conduct an additional investigation.

The probable cause report from the patrol said a toxicology test from blood drawn at the hospital revealed that McCreary was intoxicated.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office was scheduled to host a fundraiser for the McCreary family on June 10 to help with medical, funeral and childcare costs. But in light of the criminal charges, Marshak states the fundraiser is being postponed.