RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A woman previously indicted in a fatal crash on the Coalfields Expressway that claimed the life of a 24-year-old Bloomingrose woman has now pleaded guilty and been sentenced under a global plea agreement.
Destany Hope Lester had been indicted on four charges tied to the April 20, 2025, crash that killed Baylea Bower. A Raleigh County grand jury originally charged Lester with driving impaired, causing death, possession of a controlled substance, underage consumption of alcohol, and possession of alcoholic beverages.
Under a plea agreement announced in Raleigh County Circuit Court, Lester pleaded guilty to driving impaired, causing death, a felony, and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance. In exchange, prosecutors dismissed the remaining two counts related to underage alcohol consumption and possession.
According to the Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Lester later appeared before Judge Poling for sentencing. The court ordered:
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Six months of home confinement, with credit for time already served on post-conviction home confinement dating back to December 8, to run concurrently
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Youthful offender treatment at the Anthony Center for a term of not less than six months and not more than two years, due to her age at the time of the offense
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The original 3–15 year penitentiary sentence was suspended
Officials say Lester may be placed on probation for up to seven years if she successfully completes the youthful offender program, with final probation terms to be decided at a later hearing.
The case stems from the April 2025 crash in Raleigh County in which investigators alleged Lester was driving while impaired and that impairment led to the deadly collision.
