Ohio Woman Charged in Fatal U.S. 52 Crash That Killed Her Sister, One Other

The crash occurred June 14, 2026

Photo via Indiana State Police.

(West Harrison, Ind.) - Charges have been filed in Dearborn County against an Ohio woman who was the driver in a fatal two-vehicle accident in West Harrison earlier this year. 

Kelis Manuel, 23, of Fairfield, is facing two counts of Operating a Vehicle Causing Death with an Alcohol Concentration Equivalent to .08 Grams of Alcohol (Level 4 Felony), two counts of Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated Causing Death (Level 4 Felony), Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury (Level 5 Felony), Operating while Intoxicated Endangerment (Class A Misdemeanor), and Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Controlled Substance (Class C Misdemeanor). 

The charges stem from a June 14 crash along Harrison Brookville Road (U.S. 52) that claimed the lives of Manuel's 21-year-old sister Kimora Manuel and 22-year-old Le'Marea Holmes. The crash also left 20-year-old Niajah Rankins with extensive injuries, including two broken femurs, in addition to significant injuries to the driver. 

RELATED: Two Ohio Residents Killed in Dearborn County Crash

According to a probable cause affidavit, Manuel's Honda Civic was traveling westbound on U.S. 52 when her vehicle collided with a Volvo Semi Tractor Trailer. 

The driver of the Volvo told investigators that he observed Manuel's vehicle pass another vehicle on U.S. 52 and after passing the vehicle never attempted to get over into the westbound lane prior to the collision. The semi driver said once it became apparent to him that there was going to be a collision, he attempted to swerve to avoid impact. 

Another witness told investigators he had an interaction with the group of females at a nearby establishment earlier that night. The witness stated the driver was wearing pink, and he believed she was intoxicated. According to court documents, the witness advised police that he witnessed the female in pink fall on the ground and as they were leaving, he saw her seated in the driver's seat of the Civic. The witness offered to give the females a ride home, but the offer was declined. 

At the intersection of U.S. 52 and Stout Road, the same witness observed the Civic come to a complete stop in the middle of the roadway. He stated that he pulled up next to the vehicle in attempt to get them to pull into a nearby parking lot. The Civic continued on and the crash happened a short time later. 

The crash was investigated by Indiana State Police.