(From the Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's Office)A Racine man has entered a guilty plea to a Class B felony of Driving While Intoxicated Resulting in the Death of Another on Monday June 1, 2026.
Richard Scott Taylor II, 37, entered the plea in front of Judge Charles Gensisio of the 40th Judicial Circuit, admitting to his role in the fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a pedestrian on July 5, 2024.
According to the investigation conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Taylor was operating a 2004 Dodge Dakota westbound on Douglas Fir Road in Newton County when he drove off the roadway and struck a pedestrian. The victim died at the scene as a result of injuries sustained in the collision.
After striking the victim, Taylor fled the scene without reporting the crash or rendering aid.
Investigators located Taylor the following morning at a residence in Carterville. During the investigation, Taylor admitted he had been driving the vehicle involved in the crash and had consumed alcohol prior to the collision. A preliminary breath test administered by law enforcement indicated a blood alcohol concentration of .131 percent.
Investigators located Taylor the following morning at a residence in Carterville. During the investigation, Taylor admitted he had been driving the vehicle involved in the crash and had consumed alcohol prior to the collision. A preliminary breath test administered by law enforcement indicated a blood alcohol concentration of .131 percent.
Remains of the victim located on the vehicle as well as damage consistent with the collision, further connected Taylor to the fatal crash.
"This case involves a devastating and entirely preventable loss of life," said Prosecuting Attorney
William Lynch. "Driving while intoxicated places every person on our roadways at risk. Leaving
the scene after taking a life compounds that tragedy.
"While no court proceeding can restore the life that was lost, this guilty plea represents an important step toward accountability and justice for the victim and the victim's loved ones."
Sentencing is scheduled to occur on August 10, 2026. Because Taylor was not offered a plea agreement, he will face the full range of punishment of 5 to 15 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.
The case was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and prosecuted by Sarah Crites and William Lynch of the Newton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Sentencing is scheduled to occur on August 10, 2026. Because Taylor was not offered a plea agreement, he will face the full range of punishment of 5 to 15 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.
The case was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and prosecuted by Sarah Crites and William Lynch of the Newton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
