Oklahoma Woman Killed While Sledding; Two Charged With Murder and DUI After Late-Night Crash, Police Say
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA — Two young adults are facing second-degree murder and DUI charges after a woman was killed late Sunday while sledding behind a vehicle on a dark roadway in Oklahoma City, according to police.
Late-Night Call Leads Officers to Fatal Scene
Officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department were dispatched around 11 p.m. to the area near Northwest 81st Street and North Walker Avenue after reports that a person had been struck by a vehicle.
At the scene, police pronounced Makayla Mitchell, 30, dead. Authorities said the roadway was dimly lit with no street lamps, contributing to poor visibility.
Woman Was Being Pulled on Sled When Rope Snapped
Investigators said Mitchell was riding on a sled attached by rope to a vehicle driven by Angel Walzier, 22, which was traveling south on North Walker Avenue.
According to police, the rope snapped, causing the sled to stop in the middle of the roadway. A second vehicle driven by James Kirk, 23, was traveling behind Walzier’s car and struck Mitchell, authorities allege.
Both Drivers Suspected of Impairment
Police said they suspected both drivers were under the influence, prompting a drug recognition officer to evaluate Walzier and Kirk at the scene. Investigators reported finding signs of impairment and later conducted blood tests on both individuals.
Following the investigation, both Walzier and Kirk were arrested.
Facing Multiple Serious Charges
According to Oklahoma County Jail records, Walzier and Kirk are each charged with:
- Second-degree murder
- Driving under the influence
Kirk is also charged with child endangerment and causing a fatal accident without a valid driver’s license, authorities said.
Both remain in custody as the case moves forward.
Family Friend Calls Death a “Tragic Mistake”
A friend of Mitchell’s family told KWTV that the incident was not intentional and urged compassion for those involved.
“It wasn’t intentional,” the friend said. “It was just all a mistake. A tragic mistake. It could have happened to anybody.”
The friend added that the defendants were part of the same sledding group and argued that murder charges may be excessive.
Remembering a Young Mother
Mitchell was described by loved ones as an outgoing host, a great cook, and a devoted mother to her young daughter, who is nearly 2 years old.
“She was talking all day about her daughter’s birthday coming up,” the family friend said. “Now her daughter won’t have her mom there.”
Investigation Continues
Police have not released additional details about speed, alcohol levels, or whether further charges could be added. Investigators continue reviewing evidence as prosecutors prepare the case.
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