Mobile, AL – A 34-year-old Semmes woman, Delyshia LeShaun Molette, is facing manslaughter charges after a tragic crash early Tuesday morning left one child dead and another seriously injured, following a police pursuit, according to the Mobile Police Department (MPD).
Police Pursuit Ends in Tragedy
Authorities said the incident began around 12:35 a.m. Tuesday, when Semmes police officers investigated a commercial property theft at a Publix store located at 2035 Schillinger Road North.
According to police, Molette allegedly threatened employees during the incident and fled the scene. When officers attempted to make contact with her on Silver Pine Road, she reportedly ran away.
Police said a struggle ensued when the officer caught up to her, during which Molette scratched the officer’s eyes and bit his finger, causing minor injuries. She managed to escape into a nearby wooded area, police added.
The Fatal Crash
After officers identified Molette, they visited her residence Monday evening but were unable to locate her. Around 12:45 a.m. Tuesday, Semmes police spotted her white Infiniti SUV traveling south on Schillinger Road. When they attempted a traffic stop, Molette refused to pull over, sparking a pursuit.
Semmes Police said their officer disengaged the chase before Molette’s vehicle crashed into a light pole at the intersection of Howells Ferry Road and Schillinger Road, within Mobile city limits.
When Mobile police officers arrived on the scene, they found the vehicle heavily damaged. Molette was not injured, but two male juveniles inside the vehicle sustained life-threatening injuries. Both children were taken to a local hospital, where one was pronounced dead shortly afterward, authorities said.
Manslaughter Charge Filed
Following the crash, Molette was taken into custody and booked into Mobile County Metro Jail at 5:35 a.m. Tuesday, according to jail records. She now faces a manslaughter charge, and the investigation remains ongoing by both the Semmes Police Department and the Mobile Police Department.
Police confirmed that the Semmes officer involved in the initial pursuit disengaged prior to the collision.
Background of the Case
The case has drawn attention in the Mobile and Semmes communities due to the tragic loss of a child and the chain of events that led from a theft complaint to a fatal crash. Authorities have not released the identities or ages of the two juveniles involved.
Conclusion
Residents in the area have expressed heartbreak over the tragedy, calling for greater accountability in pursuits involving minors and better safety measures.
The Mobile Police Department continues to investigate the full circumstances of the incident.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Mobile Police Department or Semmes Police Department immediately.
What do you think about this case? Should police pursuits involving children have stricter limits? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
