Woman charged with OWI after double fatal crash in June

(LAWRENCEBURG, Ind.) – An Ohio woman has been charged after a deadly crash on U.S. 52 in West Harrison this summer.

23-year-old Kelis Manuel, of Fairfield, was driving a vehicle with her sister and two friends in the car around 3 a.m. on June 14. They reportedly were at a local bar earlier in the evening.

Manuel’s vehicle struck a semi head-on and 21-year-old Kimora Manuel and 22-year-old Le’mareas Holmes were pronounced dead at the scene. 

20-year-old Niajah Rankins suffered extensive injuries and is still recovering. 

“Witnesses told investigators that the Honda was being driven erratically before the crash, including traveling on the wrong side of the road and swerving across the roadway,” Dearborn County Prosecutor Lynn Deddens said. 

Another witness said the car attempted to pass his vehicle while traveling westbound in the eastbound lane shortly before the collision. 

Manuel allegedly had a blood-alcohol level of .253 and tested positive for THC, Deddens added. 

She was charged this week with two counts of Operating a Vehicle Causing Death, Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and additional misdemeanor OWI-related offenses.

“This case is a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from impaired driving,” Prosecuting Attorney Lynn Deddens said. “Two young women lost their lives, another was seriously injured, and several families will forever be affected by what occurred that night.”

The crash occurred during the same weekend as the tragic accident that claimed Jordan and Sierra Walters on State Road 350. 

“That was an extraordinarily difficult weekend for our community, our first responders and law enforcement, and most importantly, for the families who lost loved ones,” Deddens said.

“These cases are a painful reminder that decisions made behind the wheel can have consequences that extend far beyond the driver," she added.

Manuel appeared for her initial hearing on Wednesday and the judge set her bond at $5 million cash.