DES MOINES – An Iowa woman was sentenced to up to 25 years in prison Friday after admitting to driving while under the influence of methamphetamine and killing her 10-year-old son.
Abby Lynne Amenson (pictured at top), 42, pleaded guilty as charged to vehicular homicide by OWI on Friday.
“I regret using the methamphetamine,” she told District Judge Scott Beattie. “I apologize to the family, the court, and the community for being reckless in that manner … No sentence can replace the guilt and grief that I have in this case.”
The charge carries a term of up to 25 years in prison with the possibility of parole. She also must pay $150,000 in restitution to the estate of her son, as well as damages to other victims.
On July 7, 2024, Amenson was driving a Toyota Camry in the 7400 block of Northwest Fisher Lane in Ankeny when the car crossed over the center lane and collided with a SUV. Maxwell Amenson, who was riding in the back seat, died of his injuries in the crash. A child in the SUV suffered minor injuries. A blood draw found methamphetamine in Amenson’s system.
The driver of the SUV, Amee Austin of Ankeny, gave a victim impact statement. She and her daughter were on their way home from visiting Saylorville Reservoir when the crash occurred. “We were in the wrong place at the very, very wrong time.”
She said the incident has had a heavy emotional toll. “Every two-lane road feels a threat. Every oncoming vehicle feels like the next one to take us out,” she said.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant County Attorney Jaki Livingston, with assistance from Chelsey Wilson. Deputy Nathan Erickson of the Polk County Sheriff’s Department led the investigation.