Two women were killed and several other people were injured in a three-vehicle collision on Interstate 277 in Charlotte, North Carolina, early Sunday, October 18. Authorities have charged 19-year-old Kati Covarrubias-Barron in connection with the deadly crash.
According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel responded to the collision around midnight in the 800 block of Brookshire Boulevard, on I-277.
Investigators identified the vehicles involved as a Toyota RAV4, a Hyundai Venue and a Chevrolet Equinox. All three vehicles sustained significant damage, and the Toyota was found with its rear end resting on a bridge railing.
Two Women Identified as Victims
Police identified the women who died as My’Angel Vonshay Robinson and Audrey Diamond Dawson.
Robinson, who was seated in the rear of the Hyundai Venue, was pronounced dead at the scene. Dawson, a front-seat passenger in the same vehicle, was transported to a hospital but later died from her injuries.
Several other people involved in the collision were injured and taken to the hospital for treatment. Authorities reported that occupants of the other vehicles were also evaluated and transported for medical care.
As family members and loved ones mourn the two women, tributes have highlighted the devastating impact of their deaths on those who knew them.
Driver Faces Multiple Charges
According to CMPD, Covarrubias-Barron was driving the Toyota RAV4 on the wrong side of the interstate and into oncoming traffic without her headlights on. Investigators also allege that she was impaired and did not have a valid driver’s license.
Police charged Covarrubias-Barron with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of felony serious injury by vehicle. Additional charges include driving while impaired, driving after consuming alcohol while under the age of 21, driving without an operator’s license and reckless driving.
The charges stem from allegations regarding the circumstances leading up to the collision. The case remains under investigation, and the allegations have not been proven in court.
Investigation Continues
CMPD’s Major Crash Investigation Unit is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the collision or has information that could assist investigators to contact Detective D. Leung at 704-432-2169, extension 6. Information may also be provided anonymously through Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
The deaths of Robinson and Dawson have left their families and friends grieving as investigators work to establish the full circumstances of the fatal collision.
Y’all Know What extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of My’Angel Vonshay Robinson and Audrey Diamond Dawson during this difficult time. We also wish a full recovery to everyone injured in the crash.
