BOISE — A Meridian woman accused of killing another driver in a high-speed car wreck last month was back in court Wednesday.
Courtni Verity, 23, is facing a felony charge of vehicular manslaughter in the death of 36-year-old Herbert "Herbie" Moran. About 20 friends and family members of the victim crowded into the courtroom, wearing white T-shirts with "Justice for Herbie" printed on them.
According to prosecutors, Verity rear-ended Moran's Mustang near the intersection of Ustick and Ten Mile roads at 1:45 a.m. July 22.
Moran's car smashed into a guardrail and spun, ejecting him. He died at the scene.
Verity's car slid into the canal. First responders found her sitting on the canal bank nearby.
A witness told investigators Verity's Toyota had passed her going "at least" 80 mph in a 45 mph zone. A short time later, the witness said, she saw a large cloud of dust from the collision.
Prosecutors say Verity was observed slurring her speech while being transported to the hospital by ambulance. When asked if she had been drinking before the crash, she responded "not much," according to the prosecutor.
Meridian Police also found a Smirnoff Vodka bottle on the passenger seat of Verity's car. Results of blood-alcohol content testing have not yet been made public.
Verity has remained in the Ada County Jail on a $500,000 bond since her arrest. On Wednesday, a judge agreed to push back her preliminary hearing until Sept. 17.
That hearing is expected to include testimony from several witnesses, prosecutors said.
If convicted of vehicular manslaughter, Verity will face up to ten years in prison.
