LOS ANGELES – A woman who allegedly drove drunk and caused a single-vehicle crash in Beverly Hills that killed two of her passengers, including a woman from Palmdale, was charged Tuesday with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI.
Taisha Warie Welch, 30, of Los Angeles, pleaded not guilty to the charges stemming from the rollover crash that occurred shortly before 1:30 a.m. Friday, April 27, on Santa Monica Boulevard near Wilshire Boulevard.
Two of her passengers in a BMW X5 — Jenetta Williams, 30, of Palmdale, and Denesha Stewart, 24, of Lakewood — died at a hospital. Three other passengers were hurt, with two suffering great bodily injury, according to prosecutors.
Welch is charged with two felony counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and one felony count each of driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage causing injury and driving with a 0.08 percent blood alcohol content causing injury. She is also facing a misdemeanor count of driving with a suspended or revoked license, and faces up to 16 years and six months in state prison if convicted as charged, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
Welsh, who was arrested just before 4 a.m. on April 27, and remains jailed, is due back at the Airport Courthouse in Los Angeles on May 17, when a date is scheduled to be set for a hearing to determine whether there is enough evidence to require her to stand trial.
Previous related story: Palmdale woman killed in Beverly Hills traffic crash
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Yamilet B. says
One bad decision ruines not only your life but the life of others. My condolences goes to the families of Williams and Stewart. We await the ‘new world’ where we will soon be with our loved ones that our Heavenly Father Jehovah promises.-2Pt. 3:13 And those that survived that soon they may heal physically, mentally and emotionally. My prayers are with you.
genifer says
Not to be mean but are you sure that you’re not in a cult?
I’d rather not have you sharing and inviting others into that dangerous world.
Robert says
Out at 1AM, Clubbin’, Drinkin’, and Drivin’ a Beemer in LA with a suspended-revoked license…………… Do not mix. Grow up, people.
Looks like this young woman will learn that………the hard way.
John says
You sir know exactly what’s going on
Ron says
A few drinks and you can be really screwed.