Ashli Heil, 28, was initially charged with intoxication manslaughter for the April accident in Cut and Shoot. Prosecutors say Heil was legally intoxicated, speeding, lost control and crashed her SUV into a tree, instantly killing her 8-month-old daughter.
Heil is now charged with first degree felony murder, which carries a possible life sentence if she's convicted.
Prosecutor Warren Diepraam says he hopes the seriousness of the charge sends a message that the Montgomery County District Attorney's office takes crimes against children seriously because children are truly innocent victims, deserving of our strongest protection.
