State to present aggravating evidence as Richmond Hill woman approaches plea hearing in fatal DUI crash

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A Richmond Hill woman, Jacqlyn Bacot, is approaching her Open-Ended Plea hearing in just over 2 weeks.

Bacot is the woman charged in a fatal DUI crash in Bryan County back in December 2024 that killed 35-year-old Donna Pitts.

Jacqlyn Bacot is facing several charges, including vehicular homicide, serious injury by vehicle, driving under the influence, reckless driving, and providing false statements.

She pleaded not guilty to all charges in May of this year.

The crash happened on December 6, 2024, on Highway 17 Southbound near Arby’s.

In their preliminary report, GSP said Bacot, who was driving a GMC Acadia, first hit a Kia Soul, then lost control and hit a Toyota Highlander.

The driver of the Kia was seriously injured, and the passenger, Donna Pitts, was taken to the hospital, where she later died.

Both the driver and a one-year-old in the Toyota were injured as well. You can find coverage of that crash here.

According to court records, she’s charged with 2 counts of 1st degree homicide by vehicle, 2 counts of serious injury by vehicle, DUI, reckless driving, and false statements or writings.

GSP’s report reveals troopers say Bacot had bloodshot and watery eyes, she was argumentative, crying, talkative, and withdrawn.

The report also noted Bacot had disheveled clothing, was confused, mumbled, and was speaking slowly and slurred.

During the physical tests from troopers, Bacot was noted as swaying and using her arms to stabilize herself, after being told not to. Along with having to have the instructions repeated to her as she swayed.

Bacot was granted a bond nearly 2 months after the crash, in February of this year, on special conditions.

Now, on October 14th, a notice was filed by the state.

The Chief Assistant District Attorney of the Atlantic Judicial Circuit said as her plea hearing approached, he would be offering evidence in aggravation of punishment at the hearing.

A bartender at Churchill’s Pub on West Bay Street in Savannah says Bacot was seen drinking at the pub while out on bond, according to documents filed in the case.

There’s also evidence of other aggravation in the case that the state intends to present to the judge, including victim impact statements, and also Bacot’s previous reckless driving and speeding convictions in Chatham County.

Bacot is due back in court for that hearing on November 13th at 9 a.m.

The victim’s family, meanwhile, has been waiting for justice for Donna. She was born in Savannah and grew up in Midway. She attended Liberty County schools, according to her obituary.

“She was very artistic and loved all things girly. Donna had a heart of gold and never met a stranger. On the last day of Donna’s life, she was Christmas shopping with her Mawmaw and her sisters.”

Pitts' family members said in an obituary

Donna is survived by her three daughters, her parents, sisters, and many other family members.

We’ll be at that hearing and provide updates as they are made available.