Man not charged with motor vehicle homicide after fatal accident
The Douglas County Attorney has determined that the state is unable to charge a man with motor vehicle homicide that resulted in the death of a pedestrian in the Blackstone District.
By News Channel NebraskaOMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - The Douglas County Attorney has determined that the state is unable to charge a man with motor vehicle homicide in the December 4, 2021 death of a pedestrian in the Blackstone District.
The victim, 20-year-old Kaitlyn Vanessen, died after being struck in traffic at 38th and Farnam Street. County Attorney Don Kleine revealed Wednesday that an investigation found the driver, William Wright, was under the influence of alcohol and was speeding at the time when he met Vanessen in the road.
However, the investigation also revealed that Vanessen was under the influence of alcohol when she walked against the walk signal. Wright had the green light.
Kleine said the state, “remains unable to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that William Wright’s intoxication was the proximate cause of the death of Kaitlyn Vanessen. This proximate cause of death is an element required to obtain a conviction for motor vehicle homicide.”
The case will be referred to the Omaha City Prosecutor’s Office to consider charging Wright with DUI and any other traffic offenses.