Police: Woman Injured in Fatal Crash Was Attempting Suicide

A Vermont woman has been charged with murder after police say she caused a fatal crash, in which she was seriously injured, in a suicide attempt.

Karri Benoir, 23, of Barre, crossed the median on I-89 in Richmond Thursday, police say. Her 2004 Toyota Corolla hit a 1999 Honda Civic, killing 30-year-old Brendon Cousino of Richmond.

Cousino, who had been wearing a seat belt, was "heavily entrapped" in his car. Benoir, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected. She was taken to the University of Vermont Medical Center with serious injuries.

After asking for witnesses of the crash to come forward, state police have determined that Benoir intentionally crossed to the other side of the highway "in an attempt to take her own life by striking another vehicle."

Benoir faces a second degree murder charge in Cousino's death.

A third vehicle, a truck driven by 57-year-old Shane Libbey of Swanton, was involved in the crash. The damage to his vehicle was minor and he refused to be transported to a hospital.

Police say Benoir will be arraigned Thursday. If she has been released, she will be arraigned at Chittenden Superior Court in Burlington. If not, she will be arraigned at the hospital.

Stay with necn as this story develops.

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