Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Teen Model's Death

Robbie Gillespie admitted to using methamphetamine before getting behind the wheel

The man who crashed his car into a fire truck, killing a teenage model riding in his passenger seat, pleaded guilty on Thursday afternoon to vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence.

Robbie Gillespie, 45, crashed his car into a firetruck responding to a call the morning of June 20 at the intersection of Poway Road and Midland Road. Aspiring model Evelyn Courtney, 19, died at the scene.

Gillespie admitted to NBC 7 in a jailhouse interview that he used methamphetamine the day of the incident but thought he was sober enough to get behind the wheel.

The San Diego medical examiner's report also indicated Courtney's blood alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit.

Gillespie previously claimed he was not guilty, but changed his plea on Thursday. He will appear in court again at a later time to be sentenced.

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