SEDGWICK COUNTY — Sedgwick County Judge Sean Hatfield on Thursday found that 81-year-old Clowie McLaughlin is competent to stand trial for a fatal DUI crash last year, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.
The ruling allows the criminal case against her to proceed through the court system.
McLaughlin, who faces two counts of Involuntary Manslaughter, had undergone a court-ordered competency evaluation. Following review of the evaluation today, Judge Sean Hatfield ruled McLaughlin currently understands the nature of the proceedings against her and is able to assist in her own defense.
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, 2025, 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.
The case now proceeded to arraignment, where Ms. McLaughlin entered a plea of not guilty. The case is set for trial on August 24, 2026.