Driver Is Charged in Death of Passenger

A driver who allegedly sideswiped three parked cars in Reseda on Wednesday while her passenger was hanging her head out the window--resulting in the death of the passenger--has been charged with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, authorities said Friday.

Karen Louise Shaw, 27, also was charged with leaving the scene of an accident, said Sandi Gibbons, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office. Shaw, of Melbourne, Australia, pleaded not guilty to the charges at her arraignment in Van Nuys Superior Court on Friday, Gibbons said.

Gibbons said Shaw posted $135,000 in bail using certified checks provided by her employer, a travel agency. She surrendered her visa and passport. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled April 24.

Police said the 20-year-old passenger, Karla Barton, also of Australia, suffered fatal head trauma. Barton, who had been staying with Shaw, stuck her head out the car window because she was ill, according to Gibbons.

After the accident, Shaw continued driving to her apartment about eight blocks away, police said. Shaw called 911 after arriving, but paramedics declared Barton dead at the scene.