Vt. woman charged with DUI in crash that killed son

ESSEX, Vt. (WCAX) - Police say a Vermont mother was driving under the influence last year when she crashed into rock ledges along Interstate 89 in a wreck that killed her son.

Vermont State Police Monday announced Dawn Baustert, 46, of Essex Town will face multiple charges in the fatal crash.

Police say Baustert was behind the wheel during the crash in Sharon in November 2022, just before Thanksgiving. They say she drifted off the passing lane shoulder and crashed into the ledges. Her son, Silas Baustert, 11, died in the wreck.

Police say their investigation found Baustert was intoxicated at the time of the crash. She faces five charges including driving under the influence with death resulting and grossly negligent operation.

Legal analyst Jerry O’Neill says court paperwork should reveal more details, like why it took so long to bring charges. But he says the law was intended to charge drunk drivers who hurt someone whether they were walking or riding in a car. “The statute is really clear, and as a consequence if her DUI is the cause of death of someone -- wherever they may be -- that fits in the language of the statute,” O’Neill said.

There were two other passengers in the car, including another child who police say had “incapacitating” injuries and another person who had minor injuries.

Baustert is due in Windsor County Court on May 23.

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