The suspect in the horrific crash that took the life of a 17-year-old has now pleaded guilty to one count of impaired driving causing death.


Jason W. McLaughlin, 20, appeared in Port Alberni provincial court on Monday, before Judge John Joe. The matter has now been referred to the judicial case manager to fix a date for sentencing.


Charges in the case were not filed until late December, 10 weeks after the crash. McLaughlin was originally charged with one count each of dangerous driving causing death, dangerous driving causing bodily harm and impaired driving, as well as a charge to failure to appear, when he didn't show up for fingerprinting as ordered. Sentencing will now proceed on the single charge.


The crash took place on the Thanksgiving long weekend. McLaughlin, then 19, was at the wheel of a 2003 Chevy Cavalier, when he lost control and left the road near the intersection of Beaver Creek and Compton Road. The vehicle rolled and came to rest on its roof.


According to police, James Krasniuk died at the scene. McLaughlin and a second passenger, 17, were airlifted to hospital in Victoria with non-lifethreatening injuries. A 16-year-old girl, who was also in the car, was taken to West Coast General with minor injuries. Investigators said all occupants of the car were wearing seat-belts at the time of the crash.


Under the Canadian Criminal Code, the charge carries a maximum penalty of 14 years.