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State rests its case in Beth Ann White retrial

By Tia McKenzie May 1, 2024 | 12:52 PM

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – On Wednesday, the state rested its case after calling 16 witnesses to the stand in the retrial of the woman accused of causing a Hinds County crash that killed a mother and her six-month-old son.

Beth Ann White is accused of causing the crash that killed Allison Conaway and her six-month-old son, Alex. Conaway’s two other children, Chelsea and Chloe, sustained life-threatening brain and spinal injuries due to the crash. The girls survived their injuries.

On Wednesday, Dr. James Shiflett, a pediatric neurosurgeon who works at Children’s of Mississippi, said he was there when Chelsea and Chloe were brought to the emergency room. He said plates and screws were placed in their backs and necks.

“From a surgical standpoint, they both had severe, traumatic brain injuries, requiring brain monitors that were placed inside the brain to monitor the pressure inside their head in case of swelling,” Shiflett stated.

The defense said they would not call any witnesses during the retrial.

The state has argued that White’s blood alcohol content level was three times the legal limit. The defense argued whether White was under the influence at the time of the crash.

White was indicted on four counts of aggravated DUI. She pled not guilty to the charges.

After her first trial ended with a hung jury in November 2023, the county re-indicted White on four counts of aggravated DUI and one count of DUI fourth. A fourth DUI offense is considered a felony in Mississippi.

Closing arguments are expected to begin on Thursday, May 2.