GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Lawrenceville police have officially charged the woman accused of causing a seven car crash that killed one person in Gwinnett County on Sunday.
Wednesday morning, police took out several warrants against 32-year-old Sabrina Townes, including first degree vehicular homicide, reckless driving and driving with suspended license.
Tuesday, Townes broke down in a DeKalb courtroom as she appeared in connection with another deadly wreck. She is charged with a four-car crash that killed Lymeng Lim in DeKalb County in 2012.
DeKalb Case
DeKalb police had not been able to find Townes until Gwinnett police arrested her over the weekend, even though Townes said she's lived at the same address for four years.
In court on Tuesday, investigators stated they think Townes lied to them.
"She stated that there was another person that was driving the vehicle," a detective said.
Channel 2's Erica Byfield reported that Townes loudly wept in the courtroom as the judge called her a risk to society.
Townes responded by telling Judge Claire Jason she has a history of seizures and she's been seeing a doctor. Jason stopped her when she tried to explain more.
"The reason I'm giving you such a high bond, there is a risk of fleeing," she said.
Jason granted Townes a $125,000 cash bond for Lim’s death and $25,000 for each of the other charges, totaling $300,000.
"It's really surreal still," Meng Lim, the victim's brother told Byfield. "I pray that things will get better."
Gwinnett Case
Gwinnett police filed charges against Townes Wednesday morning.
Tuesday, a detective told Channel 2's Tony Thomas there had been a delay in filing the charges, but as of Wednesday morning Townes is facing charges of first degree vehicular homicide, reckless driving and driving with a suspended license.
Police said Townes caused a crash that shut down Highway 316 for several hours on Sunday when she drove in the emergency lane to pass another vehicle.
Pamela Leake, 39, of Lawrenceville, was killed. Her family says she was in the car with a friend headed to a BBQ when the crash happened. Leake was a single mother to 9-year-old, Jabin.
Leake's family also attended the hearing in DeKalb County.
"I want her to see me. I want her to know the havoc she created on other families," Malke Leake-Joyner told Thomas.
Records show Townes hasn't had a valid license since 2009.
"She never should have had a chance to do this to another family," Leake-Joyner said.
Leake-Joner was furious when the judge granted bond.
"We don't understand the reason she continues to get the opportunity," cousin Tracey Leak said.
The Leake family vowed to be at every court appearance for Pamela Leake's son.
"I have to tell my nephew that I saw this until the end and we got justice for his mom," Leake-Joyner said. "I hope this is the end of her terrorizing the streets."
Lawrenceville police say they are looking into claims by Townes that she was having seizures when she spun off 316 and into head on traffic.
A preliminary hearing in the DeKalb County case is set for June 16.
WSBTV
