By ELLIOTT COCHRAN
Updated: 10.27.08
An auto-pedestrian DUI hit and run occurred early Sunday morning resulted in the death of an 18-year-old Montgomery High School student and the arrest of an Oak Ridge High School employee who allegedly fled the scene, according to Conroe Police officials.
Meghann Marie Smith, 18, of Montgomery, was struck and killed around 4 a.m. by a vehicle allegedly driven by Catherine Lynn Roberts, 46, a Conroe resident and employee of Oak Ridge High School. According to officials, Roberts allegedly fled the scene in the 12000 block of Texas 105 West after speaking with Smith’s boyfriend, Lance Barton, 19, son of former Conroe Mayor Carl Barton Jr.
Conroe Police Sgt. Jon Buckholtz said Barton was changing a flat tire on Smith’s vehicle when Roberts allegedly struck and killed Smith and struck Barton’s foot and ankle.
Buckholtz said Roberts stopped and exited her 2004 GMC Yukon to talk with Barton, but upon hearing that she struck Smith, denied the incident and fled the scene.
“The boyfriend had his wits about him to call the department and give them a description of the vehicle and the driver in detail,” he said. “He did the right thing.”
Conroe Police Officer Gerrit Wolfhagen was on his way to the scene of the accident and was near the intersection of FM 2854 and West Loop 336 when he identified Roberts’ black SUV and made a traffic stop.
Buckholtz said Roberts failed a field sobriety test and her blood-alcohol level exceeded the state limit of .08 percent.
According to a press release from the Conroe Police Department, state law mandates that drivers involved in fatality accidents submit to a blood test and a blood sample was obtained from Roberts at a local hospital.
Roberts was booked into the Montgomery County Jail around 7:30 a.m. and charged with intoxication manslaughter and failure to stop and render aid, with a $50,000 accumulative bond.
She posted bond and was released Sunday afternoon.
Smith’s family received the news from Buckholtz after the scene was cleared by law enforcement officials and are devastated that the life of their young girl was taken.
Smith’s mother, Margaret, said her young and beautiful daughter was full of life, had big dreams for the future and was looking forward to meeting the baby her 22-year-old sister is expecting in December.
“She was the backbone of our family and such a sweetheart and a special daughter,” she said. “It’s a nightmare. I keep thinking she’s going to walk through the door, but reality hasn’t set in.”
The pain of her daughter’s death is compounded, Margaret Smith said, because of Meghann’s desire to become a police officer following an accident involving Meghann’s father, Doug.
“One of her goals was to be a police officer to take all the drunk drivers off the roads,” she said. “Her father was injured after a drunk driver hit him when Meghann was 2 years old.”
Funeral arrangements are pending, but will be held at Cashner Funeral Home.
The Conroe Police Department’s investigation continues.
Additional News Story:
Teen Killed By Hit-Run Driver
October 26, 2008
The driver of an SUV that fatally struck an 18-year-old woman (Meghann Marie Smith) in Conroe early this morning has been charged with intoxication manslaughter, authorities said.
Catherine Roberts, 46, was driving a 2004 Yukon down the 12000 block of West Davis Street at 3:50 a.m. when she failed to stay in her lane and struck Meghann Marie Smith and Lance Asa Barton,19, killing Smith, authorities said.
Barton was also struck, but the extent of his injuries was not released Sunday.
Investigators said the pair had apparently stopped to change a flat tire on their vehicle.
Authorities said Roberts allegedly stopped near Smith's body after the accident and got out of her SUV, but then returned to her vehicle and fled the scene.
Conroe Police later found Roberts and her vehicle near the intersection of FM 2854 and Loop 336.
In addition to intoxication manslaughter, Roberts was arrested for one count of felony failure to stop and render aid. She was taken to Montgomery County jail and is being held on a $50,000 bond.
Same old story... judges and laws are not tough enough on drunks so the drunks keep on drinking and driving. I think I am at 8 people that I have known in my life that were killed for the sake of someone getting drunk. Look at strict laws in Germany. People think before they drink because they actually get punished there. My sister and brother in law (the parents of Rachel who this blog is dedicated to) not only lost their daughter (my niece), but now a friend to a drunk drive. This drunk murdered Amit and now is pregnant wife is all alone. They moved here from another country last year. The drunk murderer got ONLY 180 days in jail. This is why we are losing our kids and loved ones! This is why Meghann is gone. To the family of Meghann: I am so sorry that you are going through this. It's the most awful thing to live with. She did not deserve to be taken like this and you did not deserve to lose her.
ReplyDeleteThis is the worst tradgedy for any family to have to deal with - I wish her family all the best. And for the record- my name is Catherine Roberts too, but I am only 19. I would never do that to anyone.
ReplyDeleteMeghann was a wonderful person, and did not deserve to be taken like she did. She had so many hopes and dreams that were in her near future and in one night, because this lady decided to drive when she was drunk, it was all taken away. I miss her so dearly and i wish that this nightmare could just rewind and meghann be ok. But it wont happen. I hope catherine gets what she deserves and more. She made her mistake and she should pay the consequences. I miss you so much Meg. Rest in peace beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first cousin that did this. I found out only today that this happened.I think this is disgusting.I really feel for the young ladies family in suffering such a horrible loss to your family.I havent seen this cousin in probally 20 years and hope I never see her again.I have children of my own and grandchildren and to know that they are on the road with such behavior going on scares me greatley.You alwaye hear of this sort of thing happening but,you always think not in my family.Well from my family to yours I do send our deepest symphothy.
ReplyDeletemeghann smith was the happiest person i have ever met she was always loving and ready to stupid stuff with her bestfriend. it hurts so bad to know she was killed the way she was and have that idiot deny every bit of it. but its okayy meghann cause where gonna let that woman know what she did and put her to shame. we all know your happy where you are but sometimes i wish we could have hung out just one last time. we all miss you alot help us stay out of trouble even though you never did :) i lovee you so much girl.
ReplyDeleteThat woman deserves the death penalty. She's a horrible person! Meghann was a wonderful girl, and could always lighten up a room, she was so sweet. And that woman took her life, because she decided to do something stupid (drive drunk), oh, and that idiot is a TEACHER!!!! She tells her students not to drink and drive, but she did it herself. What a "wonderful" example, ehhh?
ReplyDeletewish that i could have met you, from what ive heard, you were a very good person with a kind heart. Your memory to the people that Ive met that knew you will live on forever.
ReplyDeletedoes anyone know what the status of Roberts trial is?
ReplyDeleteJuly 17
ReplyDeletei just rode past the place that this tragedy happend at on 105, and saw the marker for Meghann. i just had to... to stop and say that when shining stars are taken too soon, they will glow and shine eternal in heaven. all my love.i wish i could ahve known u.
ReplyDelete-brooke
Dear Smith family, I am so sorry for your loss! I did not know Meghann, but i drive by her memorial on 105 everyday and i have to say its pretty heart breaking when someone loses thier life by another drunk driver. I am 30 years old and i have been sober for 30 years. My biggest fear is for me or someone in my familty to be killed by a drunk driver.Meghann might not of had a full life and wether you think so or not she is in a better place. The only thing you have to worry about is if God lets drunk drivers in heaven but, probably not! he leaves them behind as always to let them suffer the embarrasment they have brought on themselves and thier family and friends. there is no amount of guilt or apologies that amounts to taking someones life. I have no sympathy for anyone who drinks and drives. they should get what they deserve and more! So for everyone and alcoholics dont think this cant happen to you! Please have a designated driver or just dont drink and drive! For your sake and the parents sake!!
ReplyDeleteYou all keep drincking the kool-aid. the "victem" here was under age, had a bac of .095, and was walking in the center of 105, at 4am. sounds real smart, what the hell do you think is going to happen. i bet if roberts would have had one drink,they still would charge her with,intox-assault. roberts got 20 years for meghann's walk in the highway.
ReplyDeletePerson above, bottom line is Roberts WAS DRIVING DUI AND WAS HIT AND RUN. SHE GETS WHAT SHE DESERVES. SHE COULD HAVE KILLED MANY MORE. If she was not drunk she probably would have seen a car broken down on the road and someone walking around. You might want to use spell check too before you post things. Makes you look more stupid.
ReplyDeletePerson above, bottom line is Meghann WAS UNDER AGE, PI, WALKING DOWN THE CENTER OF HIGHWAY 105. WHEN DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE 150 FT DISTANCE YOUR HEADLIGHT ILLUMINATE BY LAW, IS COVERD IN 1.5 SECONDS. NOBDY COULD HAVE REACTED FAST ENOUGH. ITS KNOWN AS OVERDRIVING YOUR HEADLIGHTS. If she was not in the highway drunk there is no wreck. Nice run-on sentence at the end, DUMB ASS! Use grammer check next time.
ReplyDeletePerson above, Meghann wasnt the one that was drunk! and she wasn't walking down the center of highway 105! Roberts was the DRUNK ONE! stupid bitch shouldn't have been driving in the first place. She should have got longer then 20 years, she KILLED someone! She should have got LIFE. Next time u talk shit about someone that isn't here to stand up for themself, think again. You are a low-life nobody!
ReplyDeleteMeghann was one of the nicest people i have ever met. She had a smile that could like up a dark room, and amazing words of wisdom! She had a long life ahead of her, and didn't deserve for it to be taken away the way it was. Yes, Meghann had been drinking, but she was not drunk, and she WAS NOT walking in the middle of highway 105. Roberts however, was drunk and had NO business driving, she knew the consequenses of driving drunk. She was a fault and now she's paying for her mistake, she needs to be happy she wasn't sentenced to life in prision. We all miss Meghann dearly and we love her very much. R.I.P-Daddy's Little Cowgirl.
ReplyDeleteWhat happened is a tragedy, we can all agree. My thoughts and prayers go out to both families, however. Both families have lost a family member. One had her life taken from her all too abruptly, the other will be spending quite a while behind bars.The Smith's lost a daughter, a sister, a grandaughter, a neice; The Robert's a mother,a wife, a sister. I did not know Meghann, but from what I have read about her, she seemed like a very loving, sweet , caring individual, whom will be missed greatly. I did personally know Ms. Roberts. She is a very kind-hearted woman. I could not believe that she could have done this, it wasn't in her nature to do so. She did make a very bad decision to get behind the wheel after consuming more than the legal limit of alcohol, though. A decision too many people make. I am not condoning what Ms. Roberts has done, I am just stating she is human and made the wrong choice; the choice that led to a young woman's death. Too many people think they can drink and are still fit to drive, that they are capable of anything under the influence. This is their downfall. We must strive, though, to forgive Ms. Roberts of what she has done, no matter how utterly impossible it seems. We must forgive, but NEVER forget.
ReplyDeleteto nicole pierce, get your facts strait before yoy open your pie hole. the facts about meg came out at trial, i know i sat thruugh it. go ask her murdering father dough he was there, i dont know how much longer he can hide behind the castle law though. lol! nice face book pic you blond waist of a cunt.
ReplyDeletewhere u at nickey? w u at dougy? come on lets talk about this. Que pasa? a penny for your thoughts cowards!
ReplyDeletethis was the most heartbreaking thing n my life to hear about... i was so upset.. i wasnt even in town at the time and didnt find out till a month later.. i used o go to school with her.. she made my day all the time in spanish class lol tho we didnt do anything but color and text on our phone and talk to each other.. the teacher would get so mad. Meg was a good friend of mine and wish i could bring her bak
ReplyDeleteI also was there, miss anonymous along with 12 jurors. that is why Roberts got 10 yrs. for each count. Meghann was not in the road Dumb ass, and if Roberts is such a nice person why did see Meghann and then run away from the scene. The only tears Roberts shed was after she was convicted. If you have a problem with me come see me about it my name is Doug Smith Meghann's Dad or contact my attorney I am sure you know who he is. I think you are the coward Ms. Anonymous by bashing Meghann and not signing your name to it.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone wants to send a letter to the Parole Board to keep Catherine Roberts behind bars please contact dwitracker@yahoo.com and I will send you the information..THANK YOU
ReplyDeletewhy would i want to come see you dough, so you can shoot me like you did your un-armed neighbor? if this is you, how do you explain the debris field of the cell phone starting in the center of 105, at trial? u didnt sign your name to your bullshit either. your attouney? realy? you are the coward doug shooting a unarmed man instead of throwing down like a man then to hide behind the castle law like you were in danger what a joke. you were just afraid to take a beat down so dougy had to kill! karma is a bitch is it not doug. come see me about it? wtf dose that mean, is that a threat? i bet you will bring your gun! atap bitch! look at what u do doug. dwi tracker stalking people as they come out of bars on weekends, you are sic. i bet in your mind your doing good, just like in your mind you were protecting yourself when you murderd.
ReplyDeleteto the person above you are very disturbed and you need prayer and God knows who you are and I will pray for you.............
ReplyDeleteIt was not a threat and her cell phone was on the shoulder of the road but again that is non of you damn business as is neither the other subject. You can't even spell how dumb are you??????????????
ReplyDeletei know a drunk driver that has been charged twice for DWI, and has had the blow machine in her car and after two years she had it removed and she has served at least 3 months in jail for a DWI, she has done weekends at the jail, she has had to pay tons of fines, she has done it all and to this day she still drinks and drives!! it will never end, these people dont care that they are affecting the lives of many innocent people..
ReplyDeleteWow, these comments have gone on a long time. I can see both sides of the story as I too am kind of a victim. My son had just come of age (21) when he and his best friend attended a pool party. Some drinks were served. My son drove soon after, a crash occured, and his best bud lost his life. Being in pre med he tried to revive his friend, but could not. Those parents became increasingly angry and bitter about their loss, I don't blame them, but pleaded with them to have mercy for our son before the judge, but they wanted to max him out, and won the judge over to give my son 10 years. We wanted to share their grief but they would none of that, now the 'closure' will end for them when our son finishes his sentence in about 6 more years. I fear that their grief will intensify because of the lack of mercy, but that was their choice.
ReplyDeleteTo the father of Meghan, you really really might feel better if you change your position and try to help this person now, that took away your daughter, otherwise it will eat you up man, I have seen it over and over again, vengeance becomes the vicious self evicerator. Don't listen to those taking the cheap shots at you, they're as hurting as you, is just better to do the right thing in spite of that all, it would be mostly for your benefit, seriously. The best of hope to you.
to the person talking shit to mr smith. you really dont know what your talking about he is a good man and DWI tracker is the best thing around here i cant believe you are so heartless! Meghann is gone forever and we all miss her so much! you just need to stay off this page if your going to be like that, and true karma is a bitch and i hope it bites you in the ass for what your doing. the day u loose a bestfriend or a kid plz come back on here and let us know about it. thanks i like my picture to :) not fuck off.
ReplyDeleteshe was fine as hell!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHere's an app that lets you vent your road rage and rate bad driver online.
ReplyDeleteTruly a sad, sad story. But, the person above is right about doug. He is a coward and he has always wanted an opportunity to fire his weapon at a person. The castle law gave him just what he needed. I think that what he and Margaret are doing is a good thing and an honorable "in memoriam". The less Drunks we have on the road means that our roads a just a little safer. But that is the only positive thing I can say about doug. Also, doug you weren't hit by a drunk driver back in '92. There is no proof of that. They never found the person or the vehicle that you. Don't you remember that you owned a wrecker service and that it was determined that you were likely the target of a professional "hit"? Yep, as i recall, it was highly suspect that someone intentionally tried to kill you. That's not my words, that came from a conroe PD officer's mouth. I won't say his name in public but I do believe his initials are TP. Ring a bell Doug? Someone didn't like you and wanted you out of the picture. And they almost succeeded. I'm thankful that they didn't but man you have got to stop with the bullcrap already and be truthful for once in your life. You failed as a business owner, you failed as a preacher and I won't list the other things that you failed at out of respect to margaret. But i do wish you luck with your dwi program and i hope it has a big positive impact on the community.
ReplyDeleteAC-houston
person talking crap about smith and her family you are highly disturbed and needs jesus in your life you need learn respect and respect others loss or whatever might be im sure shoe was on other end you wouldn't be so cold hearted grow up and if don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all
ReplyDeletei Actually have a cousin who was in car accident last summer day after his highschool graduation who was in car wreck with his younger cousin who was like a brother to him not exactly sure what happened but the guy hit them made tylers car flip and hit a poll it was crushed he was in hostpital he had broken jaw legs things like that he was in a coma for while his cousin was in coma but eventually became unresponsive he dyed two days later it left impact on my moms side family tyler cousin was only 14 he will never get live his dream all because some idiot was speeding and doing other things its not fair and when tyler asked about his little cousin blake and told him he passed he blamed it on himself when it wasn't
ReplyDelete