Woman charged after fatal Bollinger County crash

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

BOLLINGER COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) — A woman has been charged in connection with a fatal head-on crash that killed two people last year in Bollinger County, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Troopers arrested Amy Elizabeth Lawson on Nov. 27, 2024, following a major crash investigation, authorities said. Lawson faces two counts of first-degree involuntary manslaughter, driving while intoxicated resulting in the deaths of two or more people, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The crash was reported at about 1:29 p.m. and involved a black 2011 Kia Sorento traveling westbound and a gray Ford F-150 traveling eastbound. Investigators said the Kia crossed the center line and struck the Ford head-on.

The driver of the Ford was pronounced dead at the scene by the Bollinger County coroner. A passenger in the Ford was injured and transported for medical treatment. Both vehicles caught fire following the collision, according to witness statements.

Two independent witnesses told investigators they observed the Kia cross the center line before the crash. One witness reported following the Kia for several miles prior to the collision and observed it cross the center line multiple times.

Lawson was found still inside the Kia and had to be extricated by first responders. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was transported to Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau and later transferred to Saint Louis University Hospital.

During the investigation, troopers said a methamphetamine pipe was located inside Lawson’s vehicle. Based on witness statements, physical evidence at the scene and the discovery of drug paraphernalia, investigators obtained a search warrant for Lawson’s blood, which was collected for toxicology testing.

Troopers also obtained a warrant to retrieve electronic data from Lawson’s vehicle to assist with crash reconstruction.

Lawson was taken into custody later that day and remains charged in the case. Investigators noted she was unable to be interviewed at the time due to her medical condition.

Dash camera and body camera footage from responding troopers has been preserved as evidence. Both vehicles were towed for further examination as part of the investigation.

Authorities said the case has been closed pending prosecution. Lawson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.