Driver charged in crash that killed Beloit woman
JANESVILLE — Before Richard K. Bennett left a Beloit bar with Katherine Fernihough about 2 a.m. Wednesday, he told her he “was in no condition to drive,” according to a criminal complaint.
About 30 minutes later, Bennett was sitting on the ground about 10 feet from Fernihough, 22, who had been ejected from his car after it struck a tree.
She was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, which occurred in the 1800 block of South Turtle Town Hall Road, east of Beloit.
Bennett, 23, of 3103 Mt. Zion Ave., Janesville, was charged Friday with homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle.
It was his second reported arrest for drunken driving.
According to the complaint:
When Rock County deputies arrived at the scene, they found heavy damage to the passenger side of Bennett’s 2000 Buick Century. Bennett stated he didn’t know whether or not he was the driver, but he was “pretty sure” he wasn’t.
Investigation showed the car was traveling south South Turtle Town Hall Road at high speeds. When the car hit the railroad crossing near Millington Road, it lost control, crested a hill, crossed into the northbound land and went off the east side of the road. The passenger side of the vehicle struck a large tree. There was very little damage to the driver’s door.
One friend interviewed after the accident described Bennett as “Katherine’s boyfriend.”
A witness who saw them leave Country Pub, 2956 Milwaukee Road, Beloit, said Bennett got into the driver’s seat.
Bennett was transported to Beloit Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.
Bennett’s blood-alcohol level measured 0.171, more than twice Wisconsin’s legal limit, which is 0.08.
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Jul 11, 2008 at 12:03 a.m.
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not like he meant to do it
Jun 5, 2008 at 9:10 p.m.
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YES I agree with bunyun both familes are suffering
DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW I CAN GET AHOLD OF KELSEY IF SO PLEASE CALL HER AND ASK HER TO EMAIL ME
@TEMERSON63@AOL.COM MY SON BRANDON IS A VERY GOOD FRIEND OF KATIE AND KELSEY WEVE BEEN TRYINH TO REACH KELSY WITH NO LUCK WERE IN CALI THANKS Tammy
Jun 4, 2008 at 9:04 a.m.
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FYI. Before judging him, realize she had 2 prior guilty convictions for DUI according to CCAP. It is sad to see these young people making fatal mistakes that is so commonly done by so many people without these kind of consequences. Both of these families are now suffering because of this. No matter who was driving, it appears they both have made this kind of mistake in the past. I hope that both families are realizing that and not blaming just him. Hopefully, we can all be reminded of not drinking and driving after these recent deaths.
Jun 2, 2008 at 11:48 a.m.
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No I am not a bartender. But they are just doing there job. Like a person at McDonalds selling food to an obese person .. they just sell a product. It really is up to the person to stop when the need tooo...Put the blame where it belongs . Please"""""""
Jun 2, 2008 at 8:11 a.m.
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why not repeal the 21st amendment and bring back the 18th? that's the only way they can put a limit on how many drinks can be served. the "law" states it's at the bartenders discretion when to stop serving. nobody at the bar should be charged for what happened to them. my sister was best friends with katie, though i didnt know her well. my regards to the fernihough family.
Jun 2, 2008 at 8:06 a.m.
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Marymac4, the article doesn't say when she was ejected from the car. She might have been ejected from the car before it hit the tree.
Jun 2, 2008 at 7:35 a.m.
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I AGREE WITH marymac4 THERE SHOULD BE SOME KIND OF LIMIT THE BARS CAN SELL TO CUSTOMERS
Jun 1, 2008 at 7:17 p.m.
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My condolences to all involved and their families.
Jun 1, 2008 at 7:15 p.m.
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my prayers also go out to richard and his family what a horrible thing for anyone to go thru so many familes lose in a situation like this so my heart goes out to all involved
Jun 1, 2008 at 7:02 p.m.
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my prayers go out to both familes i knew katie and kelsy from when they were just kids in grade school they spent alot of time at our house kelsy im so sorry sweety
and im so sorry for what your going thru kelsy brandon is trying to get in touch with you email please temerson63@aol.com or call
Jun 1, 2008 at 9:21 a.m.
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"I am amazed the law has not set a limit as to how many drinks you can have." ?????
And how do you propose they do that? A 300lb man can consume alot more than a 120lb woman.
So do you tell everyone they can only have 2 drinks? Besides they do regulate it, its called BAC of no more than .08!
Jun 1, 2008 at 7:10 a.m.
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Strange the passenger side hit the tree it would seem she wasnt the passenger if she was ejected as if that side hit the tree how could she be ejected unless he really wasnt driving. just something to ponder. My prayers go out to the family again. Alcohol and vehecles together make one of the deadliest weapons and it is a legal substance. Alcohol is one substance that can put you in a blackout after only a few drinks and it is sad that so many lives are lost to this. I am amazed the law has not set a limit as to how many drinks you can have. By the way are they charging the bar for serving him to the point of intoxication?
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