DELHI _ A 22-year-old Walton woman was arraigned Wednesday on charges stemming from a fatal motor vehicle accident that claimed the life of a Walton man Nov. 29.
Katherine M. Covell was charged in a sealed Delaware County grand jury indictment with second-degree vehicular manslaughter, driving while intoxicated and driving with a blood alcohol content above .08 percent.
Covell was released on recognizance pending further court proceedings.
Alcohol and speed were factors in the crash that killed Frank Ruiz, 28, of Walton, the front-seat passenger who was declared dead at the scene, deputies said at the time.
Another passenger, Eduardo Torres, 21, of Walton, a passenger in the back seat, was taken to Delaware Valley Hospital, where he was treated for unspecified injuries and released, deputies said.
Delaware County District Attorney Richard Northrup requested a special prosecutor in the case, and Michael Breen of Middleburgh was appointed and presented the case to the grand jury. Northrup had said he knew too many of the people involved, including Covell, who took part in a New Visions law and government class that shadowed court officials.
The accident occurred on state Route 10, near what is known locally as ``Ice House'' turn. Covell appeared to have lost control of the vehicle, which struck the guardrail, spun around and hit several large trees before coming to rest over the guardrail against a tree on the east shoulder of the road above the river, deputies said previously.
The engine compartment caught fire.
The initial investigation revealed Covell had consumed alcohol before the accident and was traveling at a high rate of speed when she lost control of the vehicle, deputies said.
Covell was giving Ruiz and Torres a ride to their home, not far from where the accident happened. They had been in Walton, probably socializing, deputies said.
Selling your car? If you are looking for another way to advertise that you are selling your new or used vehicle, call The Daily Star Class...>MORE
LOOKING FOR A CAR OR TRUCK? Then check out our Auto ConX section online where you find inventory from local card dealerships and beyond! Visit www....>MORE
New, Used, Dealer or Individual If you have a new or used car that you want to sell, advertise here on our Premium Auto section of our website. Whether...>MORE
08 Carry on 6x12 Landscape Trailer 08 Carry on 6x12
Landscape Trailer with Rear Ramp Gate $1,000
607-278-5076...>MORE
06 Mini Cooper S Excellent Condition. 06 Mini Cooper S
Excellent Condition.
Pepper White Paint with Black Bonnet Stripes. Check Mate Package, Cold Weather P...>MORE
1 bedroom Oneonta avail for rent starting Jan 1st 1 bedroom Oneonta avail for rent starting Jan 1st $550/mo + electric. Call Michael 917-434-0005...>MORE
2 bedroom, East End Oneonta 2 bedroom, East End Oneonta, $725 mo.,
Care Taker on Premises
646-872-8338....>MORE
1 bedroom, full kitchen, quiet, near park 1 bedroom, full kitchen, quiet, near park, Downtown, $695/mo., includes heat, hot water & garbage, no pets. 1st mo./secu...>MORE
Central Clean 2 Room Studio Central Clean 2 Room Studio with New Kitchen
& Bath $495 Includes All. Avail. 12/14 433-9813...>MORE
Elm St. Oneonta 3 bedroom Elm St. Oneonta 3
bedroom, students welcome. No pets/smoke, W/D Call 978-360-0665...>MORE
Print this story
E-mail this story
