KALISPELL, Mont. — A Flathead woman was sentenced on Tuesday for a drunk driving crash that killed one person on New Year's Day 2025.
Kala Knaus received a sentence of 20 years at the Montana State Women's Prison, with 10 years suspended. She will receive credit for 140 days already served.
The court ordered Knaus to pay $12,537 in restitution to the victim's mother. Six victim impact statements were presented during sentencing, though no individuals spoke on camera.
Knaus' attorney submitted written statements from friends and family, while Knaus addressed the court, apologizing to the victim's family and taking full responsibility for her actions.
According to court documents, dispatch received a report of a two-vehicle head-on collision at approximately 1:30 a.m. on January 1, 2025, on Highway 35 near Holt Drive.
A responding trooper arrived before 1:45 a.m. and found a red Kia on its driver's side about 10 feet off the highway, with a deceased female occupant still buckled in the driver's seat.
Additionally, a Subaru was located upright approximately 20 feet from the roadway and about 100 feet from the Kia.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.