Nicole Linton, a traveling nurse from Houston, has been accused of driving at an incredibly high speed of 130 mph and causing a fatal wreck that killed six people, including a woman who was 8-months pregnant and her unborn child.
Her lawyer, Jacqueline Sparagna, believes that her client was having a seizure at the time of the collision.
During a hearing last week, Sparagna expressed her intention to call a mental health and neurological expert to testify in order to determine whether there is sufficient proof for a trial. Sparagna highlighted that Linton was not under the influence of any drugs or alcohol, and was not in a fight with her boyfriend.
Instead, the lawyer stated that Linton had been suffering from mental health issues which eventually led to a seizure. The 37-year-old Houston resident could face life in prison for six counts of murder and five counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.
LA County District Attorney George Gascón reflected on the tragedy and the immense pain that the families and friends of the victims must be going through. Surveillance video captured the crash which occurred at the intersection of Slauson and La Brea Avenues.
Among the deceased were Asherey Ryan, her unborn baby, the father of the unborn child and Ryan’s fiancé, Reynold Lester, and her 11-month-old son, Alonzo. The other two victims were Lynette Noble, 38, and her friend Nathesia Lewis, 43, who were in another car.
Five other people sustained minor injuries. Asherey Ryan’s sister, Cotie Davis, shared her pain and shock at the loss of her sister, whom she described as her best friend. On a website called “Nicole’s Story,” Linton’s family expressed that the crash was a tragic accident.