Charges Reduced for Paducah Teen in Fatal Crash

A Paducah teen formerly charged with murder after a fatal crash Saturday morning in Marshall County is now facing lesser charges.

Marshall County Attorney Jeff Edwards says he ammended the original murder charge against 18-year-old Kori Lane to second degree manslaughter after learning that Lane's blood alcohol content was lower than he originally thought. 

"When the officer told me [Lane's blood alcohol content] was .06, I thought he said .16. Once I confirmed it wasn't, and became more aware of some of the other circumstances I thought that second degree manslaughter was a better fit." Edwards said.

Edwards added that a grand jury could choose to indict Lane on the manslaughter charge, or may charge her with a lesser crime.

Lane also faces a DUI charge. The legal blood alcohol limit in Kentucky for someone under 21 years old is .02.

Marshall County Sheriff's Deputies responded to the crash just after midnight on Griggstown Road at the intersection of Salyer Creek Road. Their investigation determined Lane was driving at the time of the crash. Lane's passenger, 16-year-old Sierra N. Jones, died at the scene. The Sheriff's Department says Lane was driving recklessly and at a high rate of speed when the accident happened.

Lane is set to be in court May 31 for a preliminary hearing.