Assistant D.A. says state slow in getting toxicology results
Destrehan resident Dennis Mahler died last month due to injuries sustained from a car accident in early January, and charges have yet to be filed against the woman who authorities say caused the wreck.
Mahler, 60, was on his Domino’s Pizza delivery route when suspected drunk-driver Darcy Cooper slammed head-on into his vehicle after losing control of her car and crossing into the opposing lane of River Road.
Cooper, who is also from Destrehan, was only issued a ticket at the scene of the accident, but could face charges including vehicular homicide and driving while intoxicated. Toxicology results are still pending.
“We can’t formerly charge her until we have the evidence back from the state crime lab,” Bill Starr, the parish’s assistant district attorney, said. “And right now, the state is behind with getting the results to us.”
Starr is hopeful that the test results will be in on time for Cooper’s May 21 arraignment.
Mahler suffered both external and internal injuries from the accident and had been hospitalized for two months before his death. Cooper was also taken to the hospital after the accident, and was released from the hospital’s intensive care unit a few days later.
Be the first to comment