Chattanooga woman with multiple DUI convictions charged with homicide

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee(WDEF) – Debra Jane Carney, 34, of Chattanooga was already convicted three times for DUI and now she is facing a fourth DUI conviction with a more serious charge added to the list.

According to Hamilton County court officials, Carney was indicted on seven criminal charges that include:

• Aggravated vehicular homicide
• Driving under the influence
• Driving on a revoked license
• Reckless endangerment
• Reckless aggravated assault
• Failure to maintain a lane
• Financial responsibility

The charges stem from February 3, 2014 incident on I-24 East where Carney lost control of her car and crashed into a tree. Her passenger who was identified as James David Ledford died as a result of that crash.

According to indictment papers, Carney’s blood alcohol at the time of the crash was .08.

Her bond was set at $100,000 and her next court date is May 11.

WDEF did learn that Carney has a lengthy criminal past that not only includes three DUI convictions but also multiple drug related convictions. Carney has also been arrested for child abuse and neglect along with indecent exposure but those charges were dropped.