Drinking driver with crack pipe leaving 2 foster children dead, 3 hospitalized
Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 300
October 27, 2009
Two children have died and three others remain hospitalized after Police say, Shelia Bethea, 45, drove a Mazda minivan 60 to 70 miles per hour on Dunkirk Street, crossed the double yellow line and crashed into a Toyota minivan driven by 63-year-old Carl Williams near the intersection of Arcade Avenue.
Bethea was driving six passengers, her sister Genevieve Bethea, 43, and five foster children to an appointment with their foster-care agency in Jamaica when the accident occurred. Bethea failed to secure all the children properly in car seats, the middle row of seats in Bethea's van was missing and at least one of the children was sitting on the floor while riding.
Police said 15-year-old Katherine Willis died at Queens Hospital Center about an hour after the accident and the second victim, a 5-year-old girl identified by sources as Melissa Ehl-Mirra, died at Long Island Jewish Hospital about 4:30 a.m. Tuesday. A 7-year-old girl is in critical condition and two girls, 10 and 11-years-old, and Bethea remain hospitalized with not life-threatening injuries. Carl Williams, the driver of the other minivan, was released after treatment at North Shore University Hospital.
The children involved in the accident are believed to be the foster children of Bethea's mother or sister. The birth families of the foster children have not released any statements at this time.
Police await toxicology results, but sources say Bethea had a blood alcohol content of .03 on a Breathalyzer test and they found a crack pipe in the minivan. Police are charging Bethea with second-degree manslaughter, second-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child. She had a DUI arrest in 2003, which then prohibited her from driving 90 days.
If you, your child or loved one has been injured or your child or loved one killed in an auto accident, Napoli Bern Ripka LLP has the experience and knowledge needed to successfully handle your auto accident case. Contact us immediately after an auto accident and we will discuss the situation with you and come up with a plan of action to help you get compensation for your injuries, property damage or a loved one’s wrongful death. Visit www.NBRLawFirm.com or call 1-888-529-4669 to discuss your case and find out the best course of action to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.