Head-on crash claims life of 34-year-old man

A Columbia woman faces charges of involuntary manslaughter after the SUV she was driving struck a car early Sunday and killed the driver. Columbia police believe the woman was intoxicated at the time of the crash.

Martha L. Miller, 38, was arrested upon her release from University Hospital Sunday afternoon. Police said two of Miller’s nieces, ages 10 and 15, were in her car at the time of the crash, about 1:20 a.m. Sunday.

The accident killed Richard C. Greenplate, 34, of Columbia.

Police gave the following account of the crash:

Miller was driving north on Scott Boulevard near the curve into Broadway. As the road curved, Miller crossed the center line into the opposite lane, into the path of Greenplate’s car.

Miller’s SUV hit Greenplate’s car head-on, spun around and struck the side of the car behind Greenplate’s. It was driven by Sindal Shettlesworth.

“I knew I was going to get hit,” said Shettlesworth, 19. “I turned my car as far as I could to the curb and closed my eyes.”

Stephanie Vaughan, 18, a passenger in Shettlesworth’s car, said Miller didn’t appear to swerve to avoid hitting Greenplate’s car.

Police said Greenplate was not wearing a seatbelt. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

“His car shielded me,” Shettlesworth said.

Shettlesworth and Vaughan are both from Columbia. Shettlesworth was unhurt, but Vaughan suffered whiplash. Police said both women were wearing their seatbelts.

Miller and her two nieces were taken to University Hospital after the crash. Police said Miller was wearing her seatbelt