Friday, March 8, 2024, a Canadian County jury convicted Cassandra Ann Bray of Manslaughter in the First Degree and three counts of Causing a Collision While DUI Resulting in Great Bodily Injury after two hours and fifteen minutes of deliberation. These charges stem from an October 29, 2021 incident in which the Defendant was traveling at nearly 90 mph on NW 39th Street approaching Sara Road, when she collided with the back of a car carrying two young adults, and two teenagers on their way home to Elk City. The impact sent the victims’ car across the median, and into the path of oncoming traffic, where it was struck in the side by another vehicle. The driver of the oncoming car suffered serious damage to her leg, two occupants of the victim car suffered multiple broken bones and damage to multiple organs, and the sixteen year old girl in the rear seat died of her injuries. Computer data retrieved from the cars show that the Defendant never steered away, never hit her brakes, and three seconds before impact, the accelerator was pressed to the floor. Later, a breath alcohol test showed a result of 0.12, one and half times the legal limit. At the scene of the collision, police body camera footage showed the Defendant stating, “I was driving home…I drank too much, obviously.”
The jury recommended punishment at sixteen years for Manslaughter, the same as the age of the decedent, and five years each for the injuries to the other three victims.
“No sentence could bring the victim back, but this sentence reflects the unacceptable dangers posed by a driver under the influence, and driving so recklessly. Oklahoma City Police, in particular the expertise and effort of Sgt. Nickolas O’Bryant, were indispensable to this case, and to help the jury understand the many complex factors at work in this case,” said Austin Murrey, the prosecutor.
“The trial was another reminder of the devastation which is caused by the completely preventable crime of driving under the influence. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by this case,” said District Attorney Tommy Humphries.
Formal sentencing has been scheduled for April 23rd.
