The driver of a car that crashed Jan. 11 on Seabeck-Holly Road NW, killing three teenage passengers, pleaded guilty on Jan. 22 to three counts of vehicular homicide.

According to court documents, Marcus Allen McKay, 17, of Bremerton, will remain in the juvenile court system and will not be charged an an adult.

McKay gave a statement to law enforcement admitting he had been travelling 75 mph in a 45 mph zone. Roadway evidence and damage to the vehicle also suggested a high-speed collision occurred.

McKay also admitted that he smoked marijuana around 2 a.m. that morning at a party.

The documents state that on Jan. 11 around 3:16 a.m. McKay lost control of the 1996 Toyota Corolla he was driving on Seabeck Holley Road NW. The vehicle left the roadway, struck a tree and overturned. His passengers, Olympic High School students Kassidy Miranda Clark, 16, Jenna M. Farley, 14, and Luther James Wiggins-Stoudermire, 18, died in the crash.

At the time of the crash, McKay had an intermediate driver’s license which required that he have no passengers under the age of 20, nor drive between the hours of 1-5 a.m.

McKay had abrasions on the left side of his neck which indicate he was in the driver’s seat when the vehicle crashed.

McKay was charged with three counts of vehicular homicide for driving without regard for the safety of others.

The defense and prosecution agreed to a total of 45-108 weeks of incarceration at the Juvenile Justice and Rehabilitation Administration, payment of restitution to each of the victim’s families, and $200 in fees.

If McKay had been charged as an adult he could have faced 3-4 years at the Department of Corrections.

Several factors are weighed by the court when it determines whether or not to transfer a juvenile into the adult court: Seriousness of the offense, the manner in which it is committed, whether the offense is against persons or property, maturity of the individual, criminal history, prospects for rehabilitation and other factors.

Court documents state McKay had no criminal history nor any known contacts with law enforcement prior to the crash.

The document concluded that the parties agree that “meaningful consequences and community protection are currently available in the juvenile system.”

“Based on those facts and conclusions, this Court finds retention of juvenile court jurisdiction is in the best interest of both the juvenile and public.”

Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 19.