Tuscaloosa Woman Charged With Manslaughter After Pedestrian Killed Near UA Campus

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Tuscaloosa Police Department on Thursday announced the arrest of a suspect charged with manslaughter following a fatal accident that killed a Nebraska woman last year.

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TPD's Traffic Homicide Unit says DaQuisha Meshunda Frank, 31, was charged with manslaughter in the death of 45-year-old Charlotte Leigh Wallin.

Originally from Imperial, Nebraska, the Wallin family was in Tuscaloosa for freshman move-in at the University of Alabama last August when four family members were walking on the sidewalk on the south side of Jack Warner Parkway between Hackberry Lane and Marrs Spring Road.

As Patch previously reported, Charlotte Wallin was struck by the motorist and was transported to DCH Regional Medical Center, before being airlifted to UAB Hospital. She died from her injuries the following day.

TPD says Frank told officers she was driving 60 miles per hour in the 50 miles per hour zone when she lost control of her 1999 Buick Century and drove onto the sidewalk.

Investigators said Frank then steered the car toward the median and came to a stop in the westbound lanes.

What's more, police learned Frank was aware that her rear brakes were faulty and recovered a set of replacement brakes that were in the back seat but had not been installed. She was also alleged to have been under the influence of marijuana while she was speeding.

TPD said Frank was served with the warrant charging her with manslaughter Wednesday night and was held in the Tuscaloosa County Jail.

Frank posted bond after it was set at $30,000.

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