ST. CROIX COUNTY, Wis. - The St. Croix County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help finding a 22-year-old woman charged in the distracted driving crash that killed a teenager in October.
Makellia Sara Jensen, from Big Lake, Minnesota, was charged by warrant Friday with felony homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle. She is also facing four other felony drug charges related to the incident: one count of possession of methamphetamine and three counts possession of narcotic drugs.
Sixteen-year-old Kyra Hayes of Beldenville died Oct. 21 after swerving to avoid Jensen's vehicle, which had crossed the centerline of Wisconsin State Highway 35 near the town of Troy. The teen's car rolled several times, ejecting her.
According to the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office, witnesses told investigators at the time that Jensen had both hands on her phone instead of the wheel. She also had a suspended driver's license at the time of the crash.
The sheriff's office has a warrant out for Jensen's arrest, and the wanted poster includes "full nationwide extradition," but the sheriff's office says it is encouraging Jensen to turn herself into the St. Croix County Jail.
Anyone with information is asked to call 715-386-4701.
In addition to the five felonies, Jensen is charged with one misdemeanor possession of THC. The warrant for her arrest was issued on Friday. There is no date set for her court appearance.
