Third person dies after wreck following police chase, Alabama state troopers say

Published 11:35 am Friday, January 5, 2024

A third person has died from injuries sustained last week during a two-car accident in which one car was running from police, Alabama state troopers said Friday.

Regina G. Rutledge, 64, of Lanett, Alabama, who was the driver of the 2005 Nissan Altima has succumbed to injuries sustained during the crash which occurred on Thursday, December 28, and was pronounced deceased on Thursday at the Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta.

Rutledge’s passenger, Aron C. Haynes, 98, of Valley, Alabama, was critically injured when her collided head-on with the 2018 Kia Forte driven by Wesley T. McKinnon, 20, of Troy, Alabama.

Haynes was transported to East Alabama Medical Center-Lanier in Valley, where he later succumbed to injuries and was pronounced deceased.

An 18-year-old juvenile, who was a passenger in the Forte, was also critically injured. The teen was transported to a local hospital, where the 18-year-old also succumbed to injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Wesley T. McKinnon underwent a bond hearing and received a verdict of no bond and remains in the Chambers County Jail. He has been charged with two counts of reckless murder. Rutledge’s death may result in additional charges for McKinnon.

Before the crash occurred, Alabama state trooper said McKinnon was attempting to elude law enforcement.

The crash occurred on U.S. 29 near the 205 mile marker within the city limits of Valley in Chambers County.