A Minnesota woman, Shauna Rae Dokken, faces criminal vehicular homicide charges after an 82-year-old woman died in a head-on collision. Dokken claims her dog grabbed the steering wheel before the crash, while investigators noted slurred speech and 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.
This case highlights the complexities of accident investigations, particularly when unusual claims are made by defendants regarding the cause of a crash, and underscores the importance of thorough forensic analysis in determining fault and accountability.