Sentencing Date Set For Woman Guilty Of Crash That Killed Pregnant Northport Mother

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A sentencing date has been set for a Northport woman who caused a 2021 head-on collision in northern Tuscaloosa County that killed a pregnant Northport mother and severely injured five children who were passengers in the two vehicles.

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As Patch previously reported, Audra Rogers — who was expecting a fifth child — was killed in the two-vehicle crash on July 5, 2021, on U.S. Highway 43, near John Swindle Road.

According to the original deposition and charge sheet, the crash occurred about 6:13 p.m. near the 212 mile marker when Anna Dalrymple, traveling with her infant, was northbound in a 2007 Volvo XC90 when her vehicle crossed into the southbound lane.

Rogers, driving a 2012 Honda Pilot with her four sons, tried to swerve right to avoid the collision but was unsuccessful.

Rogers died at the scene from her injuries and Dalrymple was seriously hurt.

Dalrymple's infant was unrestrained and also seriously injured.

Rogers’ four sons were properly restrained but all suffered serious injuries. Two of Rogers' children were transported by helicopter to Children's Hospital in Birmingham immediately after the crash, while two were taken to a hospital via ambulance.

Fortunately, all of the children survived the crash.

A search warrant obtained for Dalrymple’s blood after she was taken to UAB Hospital showed she tested negative for alcohol but a toxicology screen found the following drugs in her system at the time of the crash: alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), gabapentin and methadone, along with EDDP — a methadone metabolite.

ALSO READ: Family Remembers Northport Mother Of Four Killed In Tragic Crash

Following the crash and preliminary investigation, Dalrymple was charged with reckless murder, four counts of first-degree assault and one count of domestic violence assault for the injuries to her own child.

Dalrymple, 39, entered an open-ended guilty plea on Sept. 30 to reckless murder and one count of first-degree assault, while the one charge of domestic violence assault and the other three first-degree assault charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

Dalrymple is represented by public defender John Baird and the case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Corey Seale.

She is set for sentencing by Circuit Court Judge Brad Almond on Nov. 17 at 1:30 p.m.

Those found guilty of reckless murder face anywhere from 10 years to life in prison and are eligible for probation on anything less than 20 years.

First-degree assault carries a sentence of two to 20 years.

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