RACINE COUNTY, WI — A 36-year-old woman has been charged following a rollover crash last October in Union Grove that killed a man who was initially believed to be the driver, reports TMJ4.
The fatal wreck occurred in the 17500 block of Durrand Avenue (Wisconsin State Highway 11) on Sunday, October 3, 2022, just after 10:00 p.m.
Racine County deputies arrived on the scene to find a Kenosha man, 37, deceased 30 feet outside of a red Cadillac SUV, which had come to a stop 10 feet off the roadway, in a ditch.
The criminal complaint said two women were also found sitting in the ditch. One of the women, later identified as 36-year-old Kristi Lichtenwalner, appeared to be in “great distress” and gave off an odor of intoxicants. An open bottle of whiskey was found in a purse during a search of the vehicle.
After reviewing the footage from multiple surveillance cameras from businesses where the vehicle had stopped just prior to the crash and examining DNA results found on the steering wheel airbag, investigators determined that Lichtenwalner was the driver. The criminal complaint also notes that Lichtenwalner had sustained an “abrasion to the bridge of her nose” that indicates she was hit by an airbag at the time of the crash.
On Wednesday, August 2, a $25,000 cash bond was set. Lichtenwalner is expected to appear in court on August 9 for a preliminary hearing.
Our experienced team of Milwaukee passenger injury lawyers at Lindner Law, LLC is personally motivated in helping families like yours claim the compensation they deserve after a traumatic event. If you or a loved one has been hurt at the hands of a reckless driver, we are ready to fight on your behalf. Call us at 414-488-6870 or reach out online today to book a free consultation at no obligation.