A woman in Pennsylvania is accused of speeding while drunk out of a tunnel, smashing into a vehicle and killing two people who were trapped inside. Madison Elizabeth Rau, 23, faces charges including two counts of homicide by vehicle while DUI, aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI, and involuntary manslaughter, according to court records reviewed by Law&Crime. The crash killed 28-year-old Jaren Wilkerson and 25-year-old Laila Jones.
What happened on the Liberty Bridge
Rau was speeding in the Liberty Tunnel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on March 1 when she emerged from the tunnel at 90 mph, according to a criminal complaint reviewed by a local outlet. The defendant then allegedly crashed into two vehicles on the Liberty Bridge, sending her own car up in flames.
Authorities said she was driving under the influence when she crashed, trapping herself, Wilkerson, and Jones inside their vehicle. Open alcohol containers were reportedly found inside Rau’s car and at the crash site. First responders arrived to find Jones in a vehicle with Rau lying on top of her, according to reporters on the scene. Medics removed Rau and pronounced Jones dead at the scene. Wilkerson was taken from the rear of the vehicle in critical condition and brought to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
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Rau’s medical records allegedly showed a blood alcohol concentration of about 0.14%. She suffered fractures to her spine, femur, wrist, and ribs, as well as lacerations to her head. No one from the other vehicles was seriously injured, police said.
Jones is remembered in a GoFundMe as having been an “incredible mother” to a 5-year-old boy, “an amazing friend, and a beautiful soul who touched so many lives with her fun, outgoing spirit.” Wilkerson had “a passion for music and rapping,” his obituary states. Rau was arrested on Friday and appeared in court. She is scheduled to return on July 24 for a preliminary hearing.
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