HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) — A judge rejected a request for lower bond from a 31-year-old Hutchinson woman who was driving when her car rolled, killing one of seven passengers. Viola Rhodes was arrested after the vehicle crashed Saturday night near Hutchinson.
One of the passengers, 44-year-old Brian Bookout, was thrown from the vehicle and died of his injuries. During a bond hearing Monday, Rhodes asked for a lower bond, but Reno County Magistrate Judge Daniel Gilligan rejected that request and set bond at $200,000.
Rhodes was arrested on several possible charges, including involuntary manslaughter and drunken driving. She will be formally charged during a hearing next Monday.
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RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal accident in Reno County and have made an arrest.
Just after 11:30 p.m. Saturday, deputies were sent to 3419 South Yoder Road for a rollover accident, according to a social media report from the Reno County Sheriff.
At the scene, deputies found a silver SUV on its top in the pasture. Eight people were inside. A 44-year-old man was ejected, a 31-year-old woman had injuries to her face, a 45-year-old man reported injuries to his face and hands, a 25-year-old man reported injuries to his shoulders and legs, a 23-year-old woman reported an injury to her left leg, a 39-year-old man reported an abrasion of his right upper arm and a 42-year-old man reported a head injury. All eight people were from Hutchinson. Two passengers were taken to Hutchinson Regional. One of them succumbed to their injuries.
Deputies arrested the driver Viola Rhodes, 31, of Hutchinson on requested charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal transportation of alcoholic beverage, aggravated battery; DUI, and involuntary homicide.
The sheriff did not release names of the victims.