OWEN COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — The former Franklin County sheriff's employee charged in a deadly ATV crash is due in court today in Owen County.
Mario Chavez, 43, previously entered a not guilty plea to charges related to the ATV crash that killed 73-year-old Patricia Karsner last month. Police say Chavez was driving under the influence when he wrecked an ATV and injured his passenger, Karsner, who later died at a hospital.
Investigators say he admitted to drinking beer after police noted that Chavez smelled like an alcoholic beverage. Police say his preliminary breathalyzer test showed nearly double the legal limit for alcohol.
It's Chavez's third DUI charge. He is also facing a charge of manslaughter.
Chavez is scheduled to appear in Owen District Court this morning for a preliminary hearing.
