KINGWOOD — A Preston County man pleaded guilty Thursday to DUI with death in the 2018 accident that killed his wife.
John David Dietz III, 30, was driving the Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) Aug. 14, 2018, on Red Rock Road, when the accident occurred about 4 p.m.
Someone was giving Brieanne Dietz aid when state police arrived within minutes of the accident. A trooper continued CPR, but Brieanne, 28, could not be resuscitated.
A UTV is similar to an all-terrain vehicle but with more seats. It is sometimes called a side-by-side.
Dietz’s blood alcohol level tested at .163 after the accident, Preston Assistant Prosecutor Savannah Wilkins said. The legal limit to drive is .08.
On Thursday, Dietz pleaded guilty to the felony charge for which he was indicted in January 2019.
His attorney, David Grunau, said that pleading to the charge will help his client heal as well. He said that Dietz was so impacted by the accident that Grunau referred him to Chestnut Ridge Hospital.
Wilkins said Brieanne’s family does not want Dietz to go to prison, so the state will not make a statement or suggest a sentence at the March 6 sentencing hearing.
Preston Circuit Judge Steve Shaffer asked if there is any restitution in the case. A family member said Dietz covered all funeral expenses.
Dietz could face 3-15 years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000.
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