Drunk driver pleads to killing friend

A motorist who rolled her car and killed her passenger after they left Sleep Train Amphitheatre following a Dixie Chicks concert in July has pleaded guilty to drunk driving.

Gabrielle Powers Jones, 33, faces up to six years in prison in the case involving the death of Kendra June Carpenter, 39, who is also known as Kendra Rakdham.

Jones could also be placed on probation with jail time, said Deputy District Attorney Laura Evans. Sentencing was set for June 2 by Chula Vista Superior Court Judge Francis Devaney.

A charge of gross vehicular manslaughter in the July 15, 2016, crash was dismissed after she pleaded guilty to drunk driving with great bodily injury.

Her attorney, Gretchen Von Helms, said the passenger was Jones’ best friend.

Chula Vista Police said the single vehicle accident occurred after Jones had just left the Dixie Chicks concert around 11:53 p.m. at the Sleep Train Amphitheatre. Jones drove westbound on Main Street and onto residential property.

The vehicle struck a concrete block which caused the car to roll over. Carpenter suffered a fatal injury to her head and died at the scene, according to police. Jones was also hurt and she admitted to drinking alcohol before driving, police said.

Jones remains free on $50,000 bond on condition she attend three self-help meetings per week, according to court records.