GASTONIA, N.C. — Two people have been charged with involuntary manslaughter after their minivan hit a 47-year-old mother and her two children near a Gastonia Walmart on Thursday.
The crash happened in the Walmart parking lot in the 3000 block of East Franklin Boulevard in Gastonia just before 7 p.m. on Dec. 14.
According to the Gastonia Police Department, the mother, later identified as Michelle Williamson, passed away from her injuries. Her children, who were also hit by the minivan, survived the crash after being thrown aside, but they did have to be taken to a nearby hospital.
The driver of the Dodge Caravan, 67-year-old Vena Brown, and her passenger David Warden turned themselves into the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office on Thursday.
The crash remains under investigation.
Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
WCNC Charlotte has chosen to not use this mugshot because they are charged with involuntary manslaughter and not manslaughter or murder.
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