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Woman charged with second degree murder, driving impaired after fatal crash

During the investigation, officials determined that one of the drivers was impaired while driving.
Credit: CMPD
Marla Ann Sadowski was arrested and charged with Second Degree Murder and Driving While Impaired.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has closed Eastway Dr. following a fatal crash early Wednesday morning.

Eastway Division officers responded to the 2900 block of Eastway Drive and Central Avenue in reference to a motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival, officers located a 2016 Subaru and a 2018 Chevrolet that had been involved. 

Larry Eugene Morrow, operator of the Chevrolet, was pronounced deceased on scene. Marla Ann Sadowski, operator of the Subaru, sustained minor injuries and was transported to CMC Main. 

No other passengers were in the motor vehicles involved.

Officials say the preliminary investigation indicates Sadowski's Subaru was traveling north on Eastway Drive in the right lane. As the Subaru approached the intersection of Central Avenue, she drove through a steady red light and struck the Chevrolet in the driver's door.

At the time of the crash, the Chevrolet was traveling west in the left hand lane of travel of Central Ave with a steady green light, police say. 

After being struck, the Chevrolet rotated clockwise away from the Subaru into southbound lanes of Eastway Drive and came to a rest on the shoulder. The Subaru continued north on Eastway Drive and came to a rest in the north bound lanes of Eastway Drive. 

During the investigation, officials determined that Sadowski was impaired due to the consumption of alcoholic beverages prior to driving. Once released from the hospital, she was transported to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department headquarters and interviewed by Major Crash Unit detectives.

After the interview, she was transported to the Mecklenburg County jail and charged with second degree murder and driving while impaired. 

Officials say speed and alcohol are contributing factors in this crash. Both Sadowski and Morrow were wearing seatbelts. Morrow is not believed to have been impaired at the time of the crash -- however an alcohol test is pending.

The crash remains under investigation.  Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Crum with the Major Crash Investigations Unit at 704-432-2169 Ext 4.

Stay with NBC Charlotte for the latest on this developing story. 

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