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Teen driver responsible for crash that killed woman, dog on Hwy. 21/McCall intersection
ECSO on traffic accident scene
ECSO on scene of crash at McCall and Hwy 21 in Springfield last June. (Submitted photos.)

Special to the Herald

EFFINGHAM COUNTY -- A 16-year-old is responsible for a crash that killed a woman and her dog on Highway 21.

The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit recently completed its investigation on the crash that killed Laura Devisscher and her chocolate lab Bella June 17, on Highway 21 at McCall Road in Springfield.

Laura Devisscher and her chocolate lab Bella.
Laura Devisscher and her chocolate lab Bella. Both were killed in the crash at McCall and Hwy 21 in Springfield. (Submitted photo.)
The investigation revealed the 16-year-old male driver was traveling at speeds in excess of 100 mph when the crash occurred.

The ECSO Traffic Unit is set to file charges in the Juvenile Court of Effingham County against the juvenile for homicide by vehicle in the first degree, reckless driving, Class D license restrictions, no seatbelt, and cruelty to animals.

Since the offender is a juvenile, his name will not be released.

The ECSO Traffic Unit would like to remind parents to speak with their teen drivers about the consequences of their driving habits, as well as the restrictions on passengers that can and cannot travel with Class D license holders.

The accident last June is one in a series of collisions or near misses at the intersection which has prompted the county to take the lead with corrective measures. The county received approval from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to install a traffic signal, and left- and right-turn lanes at the intersection. The project will be funded by Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST).