TACOMA – The case of a 19-year old Queets woman who drove into the Elwha River on March 18, killing two teens, will be sent to a federal grand jury.
Sela Anne Kalama appeared in U.S. District Court in Tacoma for a preliminary hearing on Friday.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Gruber said Kalama’s actions were “irresponsible” and “entirely reckless” after she drank between 14 and 16 beers and drove a car full of six of her friends toward the Elwha River at 3 a.m.
Kalama’s car went off the end of Lower Elwha Road into the river.
Vanna K. Francis, a 17-year old member of the Lower Elwha tribe, and Ronnie L. Scroggins, a 15-year old Makah, died in the river.
The other five who were in the car, including Kalama, escaped.
The U.S. Attorney’s office is pursuing charges of involuntary manslaughter against Kalama, a member of the Quinault tribe.
Federal Magistrate Karen Strombom determined Friday – as about 10 of Kalama’s family members and friends watched – that there was enough evidence for the case to proceed.
A grand jury must be seated within 30 days of the judge’s ruling.
If the jury indicts her, Kalama could go to trial.
