Kelis Manuel Charged in Double-Fatality OWI Crash

These charges stem from a crash on U.S. 52 in West Harrison that killed two passengers and seriously injured a third.

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(Lawrenceburg, IN) - The Dearborn County Prosecutor’s Office has filed multiple charges against Kelis Manuel, 23, of Fairfield, Ohio, arising from a June 14, 2026 crash on U.S. 52 in West Harrison that killed two passengers and seriously injured a third.

Manuel has been charged with two counts of Operating a Vehicle Causing Death with an Alcohol Concentration Equivalent to .08 or Greater, two counts of Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Causing Death, Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and additional misdemeanor OWI-related offenses.

According to the probable cause affidavit, the crash occurred at approximately 3:31 a.m. on June 14, 2026, when the Honda Civic driven by Manuel collided head-on with a semi tractor-trailer on U.S. 52. Manuel’s passengers were her sister, Kimora Manuel, 21, and friends Le’marea Holmes, 22, and Niajah Rankins, 20. Holmes and Kimora Manuel were pronounced dead at the scene. Rankins suffered extensive injuries.

Witnesses told investigators that the Honda was being driven erratically before the crash, including traveling on the wrong side of the road and swerving across the roadway. One witness reported repeatedly attempting to get the vehicle to pull over. Another witness stated that the Honda attempted to pass his vehicle while traveling westbound in the eastbound lane shortly before colliding head-on with the approaching semi.

According to the affidavit, Manuel’s medical records showed a reported blood-alcohol level of .253 and a positive test for THC.

“This case is a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from impaired driving,” Prosecuting Attorney Lynn Deddens said. “Two young women lost their lives, another was seriously injured, and several families will forever be affected by what occurred that night.”

The crash occurred during the same weekend as a separate and unrelated fatal crash on SR 350 area that claimed the lives of a young couple and also resulted in criminal charges being filed.

“That was an extraordinarily difficult weekend for our community, our first responders and law enforcement, and most importantly, for the families who lost loved ones,” Deddens said.

“These cases are a painful reminder that decisions made behind the wheel can have consequences that extend far beyond the driver.”

Manuel appeared for her initial hearing on October 14, 2026, before the Honorable Jonathan Cleary in Dearborn Superior Court No. 1. Judge Cleary set Manuel’s bond at $5 million cash.

Deddens thanked the Indiana State Police, Dearborn County Sheriff’s Department, New Trenton Fire/EMS, Bright Fire & EMS, Harrison EMS for their work at the scene and throughout the investigation.

The charges are allegations. Manuel is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.