Woman, 80, charged in DUI crash that killed Wichita mother and daughter
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Prosecutors charged Clowie McLaughlin, 80, with two counts of involuntary manslaughter while DUI.
- The Aug. 30 crash killed Wichita mother and daughter LaShea Bell and A’Niah Bell.
- McLaughlin, released on $100,000 bond, is due in court on Sept. 15.
An 80-year-old woman accused of killing a mother and daughter while driving drunk last month has been formally charged in their deaths, the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office said Wednesday.
Clowie Ann McLaughlin of Augusta is charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence in the Aug. 30 deaths of 42-year-old LaShea Bell and 25-year-old A’Niah Bell, both of Wichita. Prosecutors filed the criminal case Wednesday in Sedgwick County District Court.
McLaughlin was arrested and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail after the deadly collision but was released after posting a $100,000 bond, according to a news release from the District Attorney’s Office announcing its charging decision.
She is scheduled to appear in court at 10 a.m. on Sept. 15, the release says.
There was no lawyer listed for McLaughlin in court records Wednesday afternoon.
Police have previously said that McLaughlin was driving a Chevy truck east on Central when she crashed into a BMW and a Jeep headed southbound on Webb Road around 9:30 p.m. The Bells were in the BMW.
LaShea Bell died at the scene. A’Niah Bell died at a Wichita hospital where she was taken for treatment, police have said.
Authorities have said they think McLaughlin was speeding and intoxicated when the crash occurred.
“Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation and impending legal proceedings, no further details will be released at this time,” the DA’s Office said.
More information about McLaughlin’s actions leading up to the collision is likely contained in a probable cause affidavit that may be released to the public after she makes her first appearance in court next week.
