Colby McCreary
Former Jefferson County Deputy Colby McCreary has been charged with two felonies in connection with the death of his wife, Savannah McCreary, who died April 30, following a one-vehicle accident along I-55 in Festus, authorities reported.
Colby McCreary, 29, of De Soto, who was driving when the crash occurred, has been charged with one count of DWI resulting in the death of another and first-degree involuntary manslaughter, each one a class C felony punishable by three to 10 years in prison.
At 1:05 a.m. April 30, he was driving a 2015 Jeep Cherokee on southbound I-55 near the 177-mile marker, ran off the right side of the road and hit a rock bluff, and the vehicle overturned, ejecting him and Savannah McCreary, who were not wearing seat belts, Festus Police reported.
Colby McCreary was injured in the accident.
While the Missouri State Highway Patrol often handles accidents along the interstate, especially serious ones, Festus Police worked the crash involving the McCrearys.
More than a week later, Festus Police Chief Doug Wendel asked the highway patrol to complete a follow-up investigation, Cpl. Dallas Thompson of the highway patrol said May 17.
According to the report from that highway patrol investigation, McCreary was driving 87 mph at the time of the crash, and a toxicology report showed his blood-alcohol content was .17 percent, more than twice the legal limit in Missouri, which is .08 percent.
Based on a report from the hospital, where he was taken after the crash, he was diagnosed with alcohol intoxication, the highway patrol said in its report.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office didn’t work the crash either, Sheriff Dave Marshak said today, June 6, in a written statement.
“On April 30, the Sheriff’s Office learned of the crash and that one victim would likely die,” he said. “Lt. Col. Tim Whitney called (Wendel) to ask about the incident and, if necessary, offer investigative support. Col. Whitney was told Festus Police officers had wrapped up the investigation, and the driver showed no signs of impairment. No Sheriff’s Office employees were on the crash scene while the victims were present, but they arrived later.
“On or about May 10, the Sheriff’s Office was notified by (the highway patrol) that Festus Police requested them to conduct an additional investigation.
“I have read the probable-cause affidavit completed by the highway patrol. The information contained is substantially different than what we were told on April 30.
“The allegations are disheartening and, if true, are not consistent with our values and expectations of our employees.”
McCreary was arrested and the Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged him with the two felonies today.
He was booked at the Jefferson County Jail and released on a $10,000 surety bond, the Sheriff’s Office reported this evening in a written statement.
“Colby McCreary is no longer an employee of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office,” the statement said.
He is the son of De Soto Police Chief Jeff McCreary.
Savannah McCreary died at the hospital following the crash. She was 28 and left behind two young children.