Homicide Charge Dropped in Fatal Crash

Ann Murray is accused of striking and killing her friend while drivng under the influence.

A vehicular homicide charge has been dropped against a Superior woman who is accused of striking and killing her friend while driving under the influence.

Ann Murray told officers back in August of 2015 that there was no way she could have avoided hitting Eric Madrid in Wascott Township.

Madrid had been walking in the middle of a foggy road when he was struck.

Douglas County District Attorney Dan Blank said that Wisconsin law is on her side because if the accident could have occurred without the presence of alcohol in her system, homicide charges cannot be filed.

“This is just another example of horrible outcomes when some drinking and or drugs are combined with driving. In this case, there will be criminal penalties and consequences. There’s no winners in this case,” said Blank.

Police say Murray had a blood-alcohol-content level of .09 at the time of the accident.

Murray said she was simply out looking for her friend after he wandered off.

Murray still faces a felony charge of operating her vehicle with a revoked license and causing the death of a person.