A woman has been accused of killing a musician after allegedly running a red light following a drunken hotel party.
Susan Gayle Elman, 65, plowed a 2006 Hummer H3 into the side of a Mustang driven by Charlie Gilbert, 41, on April 2 in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Police claimed dashcam footage from another car showed her running a red light and turning onto South Australian Avenue, near Palm Beach International Airport.
Gilbert had the green light and was driving through the intersection around 11 p.m. when Elman crashed into him and he died at the scene.
Elman was ultimately charged Thursday after a lengthy investigation with driving under the influence causing injury and reckless driving causing serious injury.
According to affidavits, Elman told police she had only two drinks that night: a gin and soda at an event at the Hilton Hotel, and another at dinner afterward.
Charlie Gilbert, 41, was killed when a Hummer H3 plowed into the side of his Mustang
Susan Gayle Elman, 65, was driving the Hummer and allegedly ran a red light while intoxicated
She also claimed to have a green light when she made a turn, contrary to the dashcam footage.
However, two police officers reported that she showed signs of intoxication, including bloodshot eyes and an odor of alcohol.
Only hours later was a blood sample taken and tests showed that the blood alcohol level was below the legal 0.08, but that it contained traces of THC.
The police decided that given the available evidence, they had enough to charge Elman and she was put behind bars.
Elman grew up in nearby Fort Lauderdale, where her siblings still live, but later moved to Bainbridge Island — a wealthy enclave across the Bay from Seattle.
There she runs Artizan Paintworks together with her husband Martin Morin.
Gilbert, who had a real estate license and recorded rap songs under the name CharlieBlyck, was buried by his family on April 20.
‘Charlie was a free spirit who enjoyed writing and recording music. In addition, he also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends,” his obituary said.
“His big, beautiful smile and cheerful spirit will be forever missed.”
Gilbert (pictured with his sister Shannon Danford) died at the scene