Aurora woman charged in crash that killed four motorcyclists over the weekend

AURORA, Mo. (KY3) - A woman from Aurora has been charged in the crash that killed four motorcyclists Saturday.

According to court records, 51-year-old Theresa Manetzke is charged with DWI resulting in the death of two or more people.

According to a probable cause statement from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, after the crash happened, she told law enforcement she had taken several anti-psychotic medications around 9 a.m. The crash happened around 11 a.m.

Authorities had her perform a field sobriety test and determined she was drug impaired. According to the statement, she was told she was under arrest and was later taken to Cox South in Springfield.

On Saturday, a group of 10 motorcyclists were riding down Highway 39 near Aurora when Manetzke crossed the center line and hit five of the motorcycles.

Four people died at the scene. They have been identified as a 17-year-old girl, 28-year-old Kameron Hale, 59-year-old James Olmsted, and 61-year-old Linda Anderson, all from Aurora.

The other motorcyclists who were injured were taken to area hospitals, all in serious condition.

One man, David Padilla, spoke to KY3 after he says he was invited on that ride but decided against it because he already had plans that day.

“He asked me twice the day before,” said Padilla. “And then that Saturday morning says we’ll be back at 2 p.m., it won’t be an all day thing. I just said no, I’m just gonna stay home.”

Padilla says he’s lucky to be alive.

There will be an event Saturday, June, 10th, in Aurora at 6:30 p.m. at Jimmy Mitchell Motors at 555 S Elliot Ave. They’re calling it the Fly High Bike and Car Show, with all proceeds and money raised to be given to the families affected by the crash.

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