Woman accused in fatal August crash now charged with manslaughter

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A woman who was accused of several felonies for a fatal crash in August is now charged with second-degree involuntary manslaughter after a Friday grand jury indictment.

Elizabeth Lopez, of Columbia, is now charged with leaving the scene of a crash that caused a death, two counts of leaving the scene of a crash that caused injuries and second-degree involuntary manslaughter.

An arraignment is set for 9 a.m. Monday, April 29. Lopez was arrested and posted a $7,500 bond after the August crash.

According to previous reporting, police say Lopez was leaving the apartment complex on Aug. 5, 2023, when she pulled out in front of two motorcycles. Walker Davis, 18, of Columbia, was thrown from his motorcycle and died in the collision. Two people were thrown from the other motorcycle and taken to a hospital for treatment.

A probable cause statement alleges Lopez turned around and went back to her apartment after the crash. Police say Lopez didn't make herself known to them as they investigated and towed her Volkswagen Golf from outside her apartment.

She called the police early the next morning to provide insurance information and a statement, according to court documents. Lopez allegedly told police that she told her boyfriend about the crash and had an alcoholic drink after going back to her apartment.