(Updated) Cullman woman charged with murder in Jan. 2019 wreck

 

CULLMAN, Ala. – A Cullman woman was arrested late Wednesday night, charged with reckless murder, manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, driving under the influence and running a red light in connection with the Jan. 21, 2019 wreck that claimed the life of Charlotte June Nelson, 79, of Cullman.

 

Quintana Rainwater, 32, was arrested following an indictment on the charges by a Cullman County grand jury.

 

Cullman Police Traffic Homicide Investigator Sgt. Joey Duncan said he made the arrest.

 

The wreck that killed Nelson happened on Second Avenue Northwest (U.S. Highway 31 North) at the intersection of Brantley Avenue Northwest. Nelson, who was driving a 2005 Chevrolet Malibu, was turning left onto Hwy. 31 from Brantley, when she was struck by a 2003 Ford Escape traveling north on Hwy. 31 driven by Rainwater, who allegedly ran the red light.

 

Nelson was transported to Cullman Regional, where she succumbed to her injuries. Rainwater was also taken to Cullman Regional, but her injuries were not life-threatening.

 

“After the crash investigation was complete it was discovered human error and driver impairment were involved, which resulted in the death of Charlotte Nelson,” said Duncan. “This case was turned over the Cullman County District Attorney’s Office and grand jury indictments were issued.”

 

Duncan said Rainwater remains in the Cullman County Detention Center on a $100,000 property bond.