By By Fredie Carmichael / staff writer
July 31, 2003
The driver of a Honda Acura that collided with a van carrying a family with seven children, and killing the mother, was arrested Wednesday and charged with DUI manslaughter.
Deborah Bell, 44, of East Old Wire Road, died July 15 from injuries she sustained in the accident at the intersection of Russell-Mt. Gilead and KOA Campground Road.
Lauderdale County sheriff's deputies arrested Kelvin Sumrall, 25, 9524 Highway 39 North, Apt. A-17. He remains in the Lauderdale County jail on $75,000 bond.
Arquita Bell, 20, Deborah Bell's daughter, said this morning that she was happy to hear Sumrall had been arrested. She said her mother was a loving and caring person.
Arquita said her mother and father, Gerald, had been married for 39 years. She also said they had several children, including some foster children who were in the van with her and her sister at the time of the accident.
Chief Deputy Mike Mitchell said the case against Sumrall is expected to be presented to a Lauderdale County grand jury in November.