Shauna Rae Dokken, 43, faces criminal vehicular homicide charges after an alleged erratic driving incident resulted in the death of 82-year-old Barbara Lee Welberg. Dokken claims her dog grabbed the steering wheel prior to the crash. Investigators are examining her reported prescription medication use.
Shauna Rae Dokken, 43, has been charged with criminal vehicular homicide while operating a motor vehicle in a grossly negligent manner following a fatal head-on crash on June 27. The collision resulted in the death of 82-year-old Barbara Lee Welberg. According to court records, Dokken told investigators that her dog had interfered with the vehicle and grabbed the steering wheel prior to the crash. Multiple witnesses reported Dokken driving erratically before her Ford F-250 crossed the center line and collided with Welberg's Kia Sorento. Welberg was pronounced dead at the scene, while Dokken sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators noted that Dokken exhibited slurred speech and stated she had taken prescription medications, including Buspar, lorazepam, and Adderall, denying alcohol consumption. A preliminary breath test showed a 0.00 BAC. A blood sample has been sent for analysis, and the investigation is ongoing, with potential for additional charges. Dokken's significant other reportedly told investigators of her past misuse of prescription medications. Dokken is currently in custody. According to a criminal complaint, multiple motorists reported Dokken driving erratically before the crash.
The case highlights the potential dangers of impaired driving, whether due to substances or other factors, and the legal ramifications for those involved in fatal accidents.