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KEARNS — A 19-year-old unlicensed driver who allegedly caused a fatal crash while alcohol and marijuana were in her system is facing charges.
Yanet Morales, of Taylorsville, was charged Tuesday in 3rd District Court with negligently operating a vehicle resulting in death, a second-degree felony; DUI, a class B misdemeanor; not having a license and failing to yield the right of way, both infractions.
On Feb. 17, Morales made a left turn in her Ford Focus, at the intersection of 6200 South and 5600 West, into the path of an oncoming Toyota Highlander, according to charging documents.
Investigators determined "Morales never attempted to stop before making the turn and that the Ford was in one continuous motion," the charges state.
The driver of the Toyota told police his light was green when he entered the intersection. A passenger in Morales' car, Norel Anderson, 24, of Kearns, was pronounced dead at the scene.
"(A witness) informed officers that after the crash, he observed Morales discard two cans and a bag in the snow near the Ford. Officers searched the area and located two cans of Modelo beer and a baggie with marijuana 20 to 30 feet from the Ford," according to the charges. "While on scene, officers observed Morales walk away from the accident with two females. Due to the severity of the incident, officers took Morales into custody and conducted a search."
A blood draw was conducted and a toxicology report showed Morales' blood-alcohol level was at 0.06%, as well as THC in her system, according to the charges.
Detectives also learned Morales does not have a driver's license.
