Bayfield Woman Facing Multiple Charges for Death of Her 2 Yr. Old
Tuesday, October 9, 2012 - 2:57pm
FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT
BAYFIELD - Chelsea Cadotte, 23, was charged Tuesday with second degree reckless homicide and three counts of first degree reckless injury for allegedly causing a crash that left her 2-year-old dead, and four other children ejected from the vehicle.
The tragic one–car accident happened on Highway 13 near Washburn back in July.
According to the criminal complaint, the crash happened when Cadotte turned to look at the two-year-old and went across the center lane, landing in a gravel shoulder.
The complaint also states she caused the car to roll over several times because she over-corrected the steering wheel.
Officials say they executed a search warrant on Aug. 24 and had her car checked out and found nothing wrong with it.
Cadotte has a lengthy court record in Wisconsin dating back to 2007, including five cases of operating with a suspended license, violation of child–safety requirements, and speeding.
Bayfield County Officials also said Cadotte was warned about properly securing her children in vehicles by both law enforcement and concerned citizens.
A four-year-old remains in a coma, and if the child's condition worsens Cadotte could be facing harsher criminal charges.
Her bail was set at $25,000 and while out on bail she is not to drive a vehicle with children, needs to complete sobriety and vehicle check-ins, and can't leave the state of Wisconsin except to visit a medical facility in Duluth.
We'll have more details on the crash and charges tonight at six and nine on FOX 21 News.