Judge lifts house arrest for woman driving in crash that killed niece

A Las Vegas woman who was behind the wheel in a crash that killed her 9-year-old niece was released from house arrest Thursday.

Wendy Carrion, 22, faces felony and misdemeanor charges, including involuntary manslaughter, child abuse or neglect, failure to maintain lanes, driving without a license and not restraining a child.

On July 2, Carrion and six children were traveling north on Interstate 15 when she lost control of her SUV, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol.

The vehicle rolled, and three girls, ages 4, 6 and 9, were thrown onto northbound lanes of the freeway. At least two of them had not been wearing seat belts. One of them, 9-year-old Gabriela Casias, died at University Medical Center.

Carrion and the rest of the children, who were all under the age of 7, were treated at the hospital and released.

On Thursday, prosecutors said an NHP officer assigned to the case would not be available for a preliminary hearing until February. Carrion’s attorney, Alissa Engler, said house arrest would be a financial burden for the single mother.

While releasing Carrion from electronic monitoring, Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Joe Bonaventure ordered Carrion to not drive while she awaits trial.

The Ford Explorer that Carrion drove the day of the crash was not equipped for six child passengers, NHP said.

Carrion’s lawyers have said she had dropped off her sister at work and was carrying her children and her sister’s children in the SUV.

Prosecutors said Carrion had three traffic tickets before the crash.

Carrion, who has lived in Las Vegas for 20 years and worked at the Tropicana for three years, did not have a valid driver’s license, according to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. She was convicted in North Las Vegas last year of driving without a license and not properly restraining a child in a vehicle.

Contact reporter David Ferrara at dferrara@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-1039. Find him on Twitter:@randompoker