Missouri Drunk Driver Causes Death of Iowa Woman and Puts Young Boy in Critical Condition

On July 11, 2010 at 2:06 pm, a strange accident occurred in Audrain County, Missouri involving three vehicles, all of which were driven by 50 year old drivers. According to Missouri State Highway Crash Reports, Charles D. Howdeshell, 50 year old male of Vandalia, Missouri was driving a 1998 Pontiac Eastbound on Highway 54 west of Route A when he struck the vehicle of Douglas R. Hill, the second 50 year old male driver, in his 2004 Mazda while attempting to pass him. Riding as occupants in the vehicle were Jay A Ballenger, 52 year old male and Karen K Ballenger, 51 year old female, both from Tipton Iowa as well as Lynn S. Fraker, 54 year old female from North Liberty, Iowa. Douglas Hill lost control of his Mazda and traveled into the opposite lane.

A 2008 Chevrolet, driven by the third 50 year-old male driver, Robert P. Becker of Laddonia, Missouri, was headed Westbound and struck the Mazda head on as it entered the opposing lane. There were 4 passengers riding with Robert, including Mackenzie D. Becker, female-21, Denise D. Becker, female-51, Christopher R. Becker, Male-19, and Alexander J. Becker, Male-14, according to the Audrain County Sheriff's Department.

Alexander, Denise, and Robert Becker were all seriously injured despite wearing their safety belts. Robert was flown to University Hospital by EMS of Audrain Medical Center while the other passengers were taken by ambulance to Audrain Medical Center. Missouri State Crash Reports indicated that Douglas Hill was also flown to University Hospital in serious condition while his 3 passengers Jay and Karen Ballenger were taken to Audrain Medical Center. Both were in serious condition. At 3:30, the passenger Lynn S Fraker, who was riding with Douglas Hill, was pronounced dead at the scene by Audrain County Coroner Pat Farnen. Her body was taken to Audrain Funeral Home.

Charles D. Howdeshell was the only individual who sustained absolutely no injuries despite not wearing a safety belt. The Missouri State troopers indicated that he was taken straight to the Audrain County Jail by Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F.

Charges have already been brought against Charles D. Howdeshell including Intoxication resulting in the death of two or more persons with a Blood Alcohol Count of more than 18%, Multiple charges for "Second Degree Assault - operating a vehicle while intoxicated resulting in Injury," possession of a loaded firearm, 35 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, and operating a motor vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner involving an accident. A total of 13 charges were listed on Missouri Court Records for Charles Howdeshell and a warrent was served on July 12, 2010 with a $250,000 bond that was posted. An arraignment was scheduled for July 21, 2010 at 10:00 am according to the court dockets.

As of July 13, 2010 at 8:58 am, both Douglas Hill and Robert Becker were still reported by the University Hospital as being in serious condition. Alex, Chris, and Denise Becker along with Jay and Karen Ballenger were admitted to University Hospital where Douglas Hill and Robert Becker were taken the day of the accident. Chris and Denise Becker were reported this morning as being in Fair Condition while Alex Becker, who is only 14, was reported in critical condition. Jay Ballenger was reported in Good condition and Karen Ballenger was also reported as being in fair condition. There was no status report on Mackenzie Becker who can not be confirmed but is believed to have been released from the hospital after moderate injuries.

SOURCES:

Missouri State Highway Crash Report, http://www.mshp.dps.mo.gov/HP68/AccidentDetailsAction?ACC_RPT_NUM=A098443F

Information provided by Community Services Representative of Audrain Medical Center, 1st source

Information provided by Community Services, University Hospital, 1st source

Missouri Docket for Case #10AU-CR00470 - State Versus CHarles D. HOwdeshell