A Minnesota woman, Shauna Rae Dokken, 43, has been charged with criminal vehicular homicide following a head-on collision that resulted in the death of 82-year-old Barbara Lee Welberg. The incident occurred on June 27 on Minnesota Highway 11. According to court records, multiple witnesses reported Dokken driving erratically prior to the crash. One witness attempted to follow her vehicle after observing it cross into oncoming traffic.
Dokken's Ford F-250 allegedly crossed the center line and collided with Welberg's Kia Sorento, leading to Welberg's death at the scene. Dokken sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital. During the investigation, she provided inconsistent accounts of the events, at one point claiming her dog had interfered with the steering wheel.
Investigators noted that Dokken exhibited slurred speech and reported that she had taken prescription medications, including Buspar, lorazepam, and Adderall, but denied consuming alcohol. A preliminary breath test showed a result of 0.00. Authorities have obtained a search warrant for a blood sample for further analysis, and the investigation is ongoing, with potential additional charges pending the results.
Dokken remains in custody following a detention order by Roseau County District Judge Tamara Yon. It is unclear whether she will continue to be represented by a public defender or hire private counsel.
