Troopers: Felony charges to be filed in fatal wreck

Smithfield, N.C. — The state Highway Patrol said Monday that a driver involved in a fatal collision late Saturday would be charged with a felony as soon as she is released from the hospital.

Authorities said Desiree Olsen, 29, of Clayton, was southbound on Buffalo Road in the Archer Lodge community Saturday night when she crossed the center line, slamming her pickup into a pickup driven by Shannon Nicole Adkins.

Adkins, 18, of Clayton, was killed in the wreck, which occurred two blocks from her parents' home.

Authorities said alcohol was a factor in the wreck and charged Olsen with driving while impaired. After meeting with prosecutors Monday, they said Olsen also would be charged with felony death by motor vehicle.

Olsen was listed in good condition Monday at WakeMed in Raleigh.

Adkins, who graduated from Clayton High School this year, did her senior project studying why Johnston County leads the state in auto-related teen deaths. Since 2006, more than 25 teens have died in wrecks on Johnston roads.

The rides and help provided by Johnston sheriff's deputies inspired her to study criminal justice, her mother said, noting Adkins was pursuing a criminal justice major at Wayne County Community College in Goldsboro.

A wake for Adkins is scheduled for 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday at McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton, to be followed immediately by her funeral.

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It is an especial tragedy for Doug and Ernie. They were blessed with Shannon (their first and only child) after years of hopig and praying. Ernie said it so sadly - I no longer have a child; I will never be a Grandmother. There is nothing that can be done to the driver that will restore Shannon to Ernie and Doug. What can and should be done; however, it to take whatever measures necessary to ensure that this person and others will never drive on the highways of the county, state or nation again - not ever, not for any reason. Any person who is caugtht driving under the influece should be made to work in an Emergency Room to see the results of drunken driving and then to work with a mortuary to see the impact on the families.

kitelover110
November 11, 2008 5:52 p.m.

Such a tragedy for all involved.

gunny462
November 11, 2008 3:31 p.m.

babycakes, Good thing I am not a judge either, LOL. Johnston County is too lenient with DUI cases and something has to change.

FYI, I didnt say "you" said she deserved a slap on the wrist, I said NC/Johnston County needs to quit giving these people a slap on the wrists.

CarolinaGirl2
November 11, 2008 2:13 p.m.

I NEVER said that she should only get a slap on the wrist! I too agree that her actions were EXTREMELY selfish and it has infuriated me since i heard the news early sunday morning.

slap on the wrist = not enough of a punishment death penalty = too harsh of a punishment

I'm not sure what kind of a punishment she deserves... that's why I am not a judge....I just can't help but feel bad for BOTH families involved :(

babycakes
November 11, 2008 2:05 p.m.

Everyone has a differnt opinion, this is a good article to read and give some thought to. babycakes thinks murder is to harsh, I disagree. http://www.duiblog.com/2004/11/06/the-death-penalty-for-dui/

I thought ths was interesting: Go Winston-Salem!!! Well, on April 8, 1997, a jury in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, came back with a first degree murder conviction in a DUI case involving a traffic accident with two deaths. They recommended a sentence of life without the possibility of parole. The prosecutor had asked for the death penalty.

CarolinaGirl2
November 11, 2008 1:42 p.m.