SEDGWICK COUNTY — A driver charged in a crash that killed two Kansas women decided she did not want to return to Judge Rodger Woods courtroom on Monday for a preliminary hearing. Clowie Ann McLaughlin, 80, Augusta, waived her right to the hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.
McLaughlin is charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence, severity level 4 person felonies, in the deaths of 42-year-old LaShea Bell and her daughter, 25-year-old A’Niah Bell.
The crash happened around 9:35 p.m. August 30, at the intersection of Central and Webb Road in Wichita
According to Wichita police, McLaughlin’s black Chevrolet truck collided with a white BMW carrying the Bells and a gray Jeep driven by a 41-year-old man. LaShea Bell was pronounced dead at the scene, while A’Niah Bell later died at a local hospital. The Jeep driver was treated at the scene and released.
Police said speed and alcohol are believed to have been factors in the collision. McLaughlin was taken to a hospital for treatment of her own injuries and was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail after being medically cleared. She bonded out of jail the following day after posting a $100,000 bond. She is scheduled to return to court January 8.