Jenner could face manslaughter over crash

The Los Angeles County Sheriff has found that Caitlyn Jenner was driving "unsafe for the prevailing road conditions" when her SUV rear-ended a Lexus.

Caitlyn Jenner

Reality TV star Caitlyn Jenner. (AAP) Source: Starmax

Transgender Olympic champion Caitlyn Jenner could face a vehicular manslaughter charge after investigators found she was driving unsafely when she caused a crash that killed a woman in February.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff has found that Jenner was driving "unsafe for the prevailing road conditions" when her SUV rear-ended a Lexus.

Jenner was hauling an off-road vehicle on a trailer behind her Cadillac when she steered to avoid cars slowing for a traffic light on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.

Jenner was unable to stop in time and her SUV rear-ended two cars, pushing the Lexus into oncoming traffic.

The Lexus driver, 69-year-old Kim Howe, was killed when her car was struck head-on by a Hummer.

The case will be presented to prosecutors for final review next week. The district attorney's office will determine what charges Jenner ultimately faces.

If convicted of vehicular manslaughter, Jenner could face up to one year in county jail.

Because Jenner has no prior record, it's unlikely she will face any jail time, said accident reconstructionist Daniel Vomhof.

He said Jenner would more likely face a fine or probation - or even an ultimately lesser charge such as driving too fast for conditions.

Vomhof said Jenner's experience towing a loaded trailer may come into play because the additional weight makes it more difficult to stop a vehicle quickly and can surprise people.

Also key will be how detailed the police investigation was in recording speeds and distances at the accident scene.

Howe's stepchildren have filed suit against Jenner, claiming they've suffered enormous damages.

The fatal crash occurred months before Caitlyn Jenner's recent transition.

She was formerly known as Bruce Jenner, the 1976 Olympic decathlon champion and Kim Kardashian's stepfather.


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Source: AAP



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