Clifton Park man accepts plea deal in Slingerlands crash

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- A Clifton Park man accepted a plea deal Tuesday, in connection to a fatal crash in May on Route 85. Matthew Monthie, 29, pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter and DWI charges, the Albany County District Attorney's Office confirmed Wednesday.

On May 1, 2024, the Town of Bethlehem Police Department responded to a fatal crash on Route 85 between Krumkill Road and Blessings Road. After a preliminary investigation, police determined a car heading westbound crossed over the center line and collided with a car traveling eastbound, being driven by Shawna Marzahl, 53, of Selkirk.

In the impact, a car traveling behind Marzahl was also damaged. Monthie was reportedly treated for non-life-threatening injuries, Marzahl was pronounced dead at the scene and the third driver had no injuries.

In June, Monthie was arrested in connection to the crash. He was indicted on 6 charges including:

• Second-degree manslaughter
• Second-degree assault
• Second-degree vehicle manslaughter
• Driving while intoxicated
• Driving while ability impaired
• Second-degree reckless endangerment

At the time of his arrest, he was released on a $75,000 bond. The manslaughter charge carried a 5-to-15-year sentence.

According to the DA's office, he pleaded guilty to two of the charges and he faces up to 10 years in prison, as part of his guilty plea. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 4.