DUI manslaughter charges expected in fatal accident

By By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
July 16, 2003
Lauderdale County investigators may be close to filing criminal charges in a traffic accident that claimed the life of Debra Bell.
Bell, 44, was a passenger in a van that came into collision with a Honda Acura Monday at the intersection of Russell-Mt. Gilead Road and KOA Campground Road. She died from injuries sustained the the accident.
Maj. Ward Calhoun of the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department said investigators are working on the case.
Calhoun said the Acura was occupied by four men. He said one man, believed to have been the driver, stayed on the scene while the other three ran.
Calhoun said alcohol and possibly other drugs are believed to be a factor in the case. He said DUI manslaughter charges are expected to be filed.