Few clues about why driver fled before fatal crash

Why Jennifer Shaun Stilley fled from a pursuing state trooper remained a mystery Monday.

More than a day after the car she was driving crashed into another car on East 21st Street -- killing her and two women in the other car -- there were no clues as to why Stilley didn't stop.

The 24-year-old Wichita woman had a valid driver's license and had no accidents or traffic-related convictions, according to a document obtained from the Kansas Department of Revenue.

The Kansas Highway Patrol, which is investigating the crash, had no indication why she didn't pull over, Trooper Gary Warner said Monday during a media briefing.

"Quite frankly, we may never know," said Warner, the agency's local spokesman.

Until toxicology tests are completed, the patrol can't say whether the crash was alcohol- or drug-related, Warner said.

He reiterated earlier statements from Highway Patrol officials, saying it appeared that the trooper pursuing Stilley followed the policy on chases.

The policy requires troopers to continuously assess such factors as traffic volume and weather and road conditions when weighing whether to keep pursuing a motorist, Warner said.

At the time of the crash, about 1:05 a.m., traffic was light, the weather was good, and 21st Street is an open, major thoroughfare, Warner said.

The trooper involved has several years of experience, Warner said.

Statewide from 1997 through 2007, accidents involving police pursuits -- by various agencies -- have resulted in 38 deaths and 1,126 injuries, the patrol said, citing state statistics.

In 2007, the state recorded nine deaths resulting from pursuits -- the highest number for a single year since 1997. Last year also saw the most injuries for a single year -- 133.

Warner said Sunday's pursuit lasted less than 5 minutes.

According to the Highway Patrol, the chase began after a trooper clocked the car driven by Stilley going 83 mph in a 60 mph zone on northbound I-135 in south Wichita. The trooper, who was going south, turned around, and at 1:02 a.m. turned on emergency lights and siren. The fleeing car exited at 21st Street and went east roughly a mile.

A 2000 Buick Century had come south and apparently was turning east onto 21st to jog over and head south on Erie. The 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt driven by Stilley struck the Buick at an angle on the passenger side. Officials have not said how fast Stilley was traveling when the accident occurred.

Investigators have talked briefly with Stilley's passenger, Joseph Batemon, 29, of Wichita, Warner said. Batemon has been released from a hospital.

According to a preliminary accident report, Batemon was wearing a seat belt. Stilley was not wearing a seat belt.

Teresa Phillips, a 45-year-old passenger in the vehicle struck by the fleeing car, remained in critical condition Monday night at Wesley Medical Center.

It was not clear from the report whether she was wearing a seat belt.

With Phillips in the Buick were driver Mia Cynthia Alberson, 43, and passenger Peggy R. King, 44, both of Wichita. They died at the scene. The report said it was unknown whether Alberson wore a seat belt; King wore one.

A cousin of King, Carl Cushinberry, said her family was too devastated to comment Monday.

"The family just appreciates all the concern and condolences received from so many folks in the community," he said.

Warner said investigators would like to talk to anyone who might know something about events that led to the crash. He asked that anyone with information call the patrol at 316-744-0451.