The family of an Alabama teen who died after police chased a vehicle she was riding in seconds after superiors called off the pursuit is demanding answers.
Kailyn Draine’s relatives believe police are to blame for the fatal crash that led to her demise. However, authorities say they abandoned the pursuit and drove up to the accident seconds later. The driver has been charged in connection to Draine’s death.
On Dec. 4, the Mobile Police Department attempted to pull over a Toyota Camry, reportedly for not having the proper tag. It was filled with four young people in the early morning hours after the friends finished a late night of studying for an upcoming exam.
Draine, 19, was one of four Black youths in the car, and her family says their race made them fearful of being stopped because of the distrust many Black people have for police. The driver, Jh’isaiah Franklin, 18, didn’t stop and instead drove off, according to an interview with My NBC 15.
This prompted a chase by MPD. After crossing from Mobile City into another jurisdiction, the City of Prichard, some five miles away, those officers received an official order to retreat.
Authorities also have said the chase was called off because of “weather conditions and speed,” according to assistant police chief William Jackson. “About 45 seconds after it was discontinued, the officers drove up on the accident,” said Jackson. “They didn’t know it had occurred.”
According to investigators, the driver lost control of the vehicle and ultimately crashed into a tree. The impact of the collision caused Draine to be ejected from the vehicle.
18-year-old Jaylin Alexander and 21-year-old Charity Mills were transported to the hospital.
Franklin has since been charged with an attempt to elude, resulting in death and homicide by vehicle, according to WRBL.
Draine’s relatives say they’re “not trying to make the police department look bad,” but Lillie Mancarella,…
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