December 18, 2014 · Exit133

Woman charged with vehicular homicide in death of Puyallup pastor

TACOMA, WA – Today Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist charged Kallie Marion James, 19, with vehicular homicide for running through a stop sign and striking Pastor Eric Renz as he rode his bicycle in Puyallup. James was charged with vehicular assault on Nov. 26, 2014, and she posted $250,000 bail. Renz died two weeks later. James pleaded not guilty to the amended charge this afternoon, and she remains out of custody on bail.

“Eric was an active, good-hearted and well-liked member of our community,” said Prosecutor Mark Lindquist. “Many are feeling this loss. His death unfortunately serves as another reminder of why driving and drugs don’t mix.”

On Nov. 24, 2014, James ran a stop sign near the Washington State Fairgrounds in Puyallup and struck Renz. When police arrived, James’ eyes appeared “watery and bloodshot,” and she admitted to taking an anti-depressant and smoking marijuana prior to driving. A drug recognition expert examined James and determined that she was “impaired and unable to operate a motor vehicle safely.” James’ blood samples were sent to the Washington State Patrol’s Toxicology Lab for analysis. Results are pending.

Witnesses told police that James was speeding and did not attempt to stop at the stop sign prior to striking Renz, who was wearing a bright-yellow coat.

Charges are only allegations and a person is presumed innocent unless he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

2 comments

David K. Renz February 13, 2015

My Father was Legally Blind. He could not have seen a 16 wheeler headed straight at him. He had a sist removed from his sinus that pressed up on his eyes and caused him to be able to only see about a quarter size spot in front of his eyes and it was kalidascoped. He should not have been on a bicycle and he was partially responsible for his own death. It should be put into the young girls trial. And considered in her judgement. It doesn't mean that she didn't strike and kill him and that she wasn't high at the time. It just means that he had a legal responsibility of operating a bicycle safely and he didn't do that.
JDHasty February 13, 2015

"He should not have been on a bicycle and he was partially responsible for his own death." How so? What is not in dispute is that the defendant was "running through a stop sign and striking Pastor Eric Renz." Irrespective of whether you think your father should have been on a bicycle, BUT FOR the defendant running through a stop sign and striking a bicyclist while impaired, Pastor Renz would not be dead from causes that the defendant is 100% responsible for.