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Woman charged in connection to fatal Saturday crash

CHLOE COCHRAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 months AGO
by CHLOE COCHRAN
| May 5, 2026 1:00 AM

SANDPOINT — A California woman involved in a May 2 fatal crash is expected to attend a preliminary hearing next week on charges related to the incident.    

Crystal Lynn Russell, 45, was charged with one felony of driving under the influence causing great bodily harm and two misdemeanor charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent to use.  

Russell is currently being held at the Bonner County Jail on a $250,000 bond due to her lack of ties to the Bonner County area, in addition to a potential vehicular manslaughter charge. She currently has a permanent residence in San Pedro, Calif.  

A jail inmate roster indicated that Russell is facing one felony count of vehicular manslaughter, but at the time of publishing, the felony charge had not been included in an information document.  

Russell could face up to 15 years in state prison and two years in county jail if found guilty of the three crimes.  

She is expected to appear in court May 13 for a preliminary hearing, where the court will determine whether there’s enough evidence to move forward with the felony charges.  

Russell was arrested at Bonner General Health following treatment from the May 2 crash, according to a probable cause affidavit. Idaho State Police troopers said a Hyundai Equus, allegedly driven by Russell, was eastbound on U.S. Highway 200 near Clark Fork when the vehicle veered off the roadway and struck a rock face.  

ISP troopers reported that Russell was wearing a seat belt, while the 65-year-old male passenger was not. He succumbed to his injuries on scene before officials could arrive.  

Marijuana, drug paraphernalia and an open alcohol container were found inside the vehicle. When responding to the scene, an ISP trooper reported that Russell appeared to be under the influence of either alcohol, drugs or both.

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