A Texas mother faces two manslaughter counts after prosecutors say she drove more than twice the speed limit with her two young children in the car, killing a couple who had just graduated from college.
Aldrea Rogers, 22, was booked into Dallas County Jail on Oct. 16 on two manslaughter charges tied to the deaths of Julian Harris, 23, and Madison Duren, 22, jail records show. Her bond was set at $250,000 per charge, totaling $500,000 as of Wednesday.
Rogers was allegedly driving 82 mph in a 35 mph zone when her Hyundai Elantra slammed into the couple’s Toyota Prius, according to a newly released arrest affidavit cited by FOX 4 Dallas. Harris died at the scene. Duren survived the initial impact and was rushed to a hospital, where she later died.
Rogers’ two children were passengers in her vehicle during the crash. All three survived, authorities said. The couple had been leaving their apartment when the collision occurred.
Harris and Duren had recently graduated from Southern Methodist University, where they bonded over a shared passion for theater. They remained active in Dallas’ theater community after finishing their degrees.
Emmet Overcarsh, a friend of the couple, expressed shock to FOX 4 Dallas that Rogers was the same age as the victims. He also voiced disbelief that she allegedly had her two young children in the car at the time of the deadly crash.
Eli Barron, another friend, described the couple alongside Overcarsh as curious, enthusiastic people who loved learning and connecting with others.
The crash unfolded as Harris attempted to turn left onto a major roadway with Duren riding in the passenger seat. Investigators determined Rogers was traveling at a high rate of speed before striking their vehicle.
Friends have struggled to process the deaths, particularly given the parallel ages of Rogers and her alleged victims, and the presence of her young children in the speeding car.
A memorial service for Harris and Duren is scheduled for Oct. 31 at Southern Methodist University.