Alabama State Troopers served felony warrants on Kenneth Burns, 45, of Cullman at the request of the Cullman District Attorney’s office on Wednesday in conjunction with a fatal car accident that occurred Friday night.
Burns, who was originally being held at the Cullman County Detention Center for driving under the influence (DUI), is now charged with one count manslaughter, one count vehicular homicide and four counts of first degree assault. He is being held on a $50,000 cash bond.
The charges stem from a car accident that left 8-year-old Hayley Ryan, of Louisville, KY. dead and injured three others. The accident occurred on U.S. Highway 31 near County Road 1343 at about 9:45 p.m. on Dec. 17.
According to reports, the Ryans’ vehicle had exited Interstate 65 and was traveling on U.S. Highway 31 when their car was struck by another vehicle coming off County Road 1343. A third vehicle traveling behind the Ryan’s was also involved in the accident.
Hayley Ryan was pronounced dead at 10:28 p.m. The Ryans’ vehicle was upside down on the side of the road, Cullman County Coroner Gary Murphree said, when he arrived at the scene.
According to a family member, Hayley’s mother, Julie Ryan, has been released from Huntsville Hospital and her father, Richard Ryan, remains in critical condition in a medically induced coma.
The driver of the third vehicle, 20-year-old Molly Gallian, of Vinemont, sustained minor injuries in the accident.
State Trooper public information officer Curtis Somerville said that State Troopers continue to investigate the details of the accident and can release no further information at this time.
* Sam Rolley can be reached by e-mail at srolley@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131 ext. 225.
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