Katrina Starr Nelson

Vehic/Purs

Deputy Douglas Riniker passed a pickup truck with four people inside at around 3:20 a.m. and believed he smelled ether coming from the other. Riniker followed the truck, which accelerated to 75-80 mph. Riniker activated his lights and siren, and a 95 mph chase ensued. The driver, identified as Merle A. Shank, tried to turn right at an intersection and the truck crashed into the ditch. Katrina Starr Nelson was pinned under the truck and died from her injuries. Shank was convicted of vehicular homicide by attempting to elude authorities, vehicular homicide by reckless driving and nonconsensual termination of a pregnancy.