Woman Pleads Guilty to Three Counts of Involuntary Manslaughter

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by Danielle Ferguson

Story Created: Aug 28, 2012 at 6:47 PM EDT

Story Updated: Aug 28, 2012 at 6:47 PM EDT

CHARLOTTE, NC -- On Tuesday, Carlene Atkinson, 47, pleaded guilty to three counts of involuntary manslaughter. She was sentenced to 32-40 months in prison.

The charges stem from a car wreck on April, 4, 2009, that occurred at the intersection of York Road and River Pointe Drive around 6:30 p.m. The collision involved a red and black Mitsubishi Eclipse which was driven by Tyler Stasko. According to police, Stasko’s vehicle collided with a Mercedes driven by Cynthia Furr, 45. Cynthia Furr was killed in the collision as was her daughter, McAllister Price, 2, who was in the car with her. Hunter Holt, a 13-year old passenger in Stasko’s car was also killed in the collision.

Witnesses reported seeing Atkinson’s car, a black 2002 Camaro, racing the red and black Eclipse. According to witnesses, the race started at the intersection of York Rd and Shopton Road and continued for approximately one and one-half miles until they came to the intersection of York Road and River Point Drive. Witnesses estimated the speed of the vehicles to be between 70-100 MPH at various points on the path. After the collision, witnesses reported seeing the driver and two passengers get out of the Camaro, which did not sustain any damage, and run to the Eclipse and then get back in the Camaro and leave the scene.

Atkinson was identified as the driver of the Camaro when one of the passengers in her car contacted police. In speaking with Atkinson she claimed to have witnessed the collision but denied any involvement in it. Police say, Atkinson didn't notify police to report the collision.

The State tried Stasko for three counts of second-degree murder in December of 2011. He was convicted of three counts of the lesser-included charge of involuntary manslaughter. Based on the evidence that was presented at Stasko’s trial, and consultation with the families of both victims, the State agreed to allow Atkinson to enter the guilty pleas to three counts of involuntary manslaughter.
 

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