ATCHISON, Kansas (WIBW) – A woman is in jail after a 1-year-old boy died from injuries sustained in a rollover accident during a police chase in Atchison County Sunday night, authorities said.
Maria Papalas, 28, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Mixalis Papalas-Schulpz. Authorities said the woman was in the car she was driving when she tried to escape Atchison County Sheriff's officers. Both were from Atchison, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.
The fatal crash was reported at 5:36 p.m. Sunday at the corner of 224th and Sherman Road, about 5 miles south of Atchison.
According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the accident occurred during a police chase as a 2014 Toyota Corolla was traveling south on Sherman Road at a high rate of speed.
Papalas, who was driving the vehicle, lost control on a curve due to the high speed. The car entered the western ditch and rolled over several times before coming to a stop on its roof.
Papalas was taken to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka for treatment of what were believed to be minor injuries. The patrol officer said she was not wearing a seatbelt. After treatment at Stormont Vail, Papalas was released into the custody of the Atchison County Jail on Monday, KAIR said.
Meanwhile, Mixalis was taken to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, with life-threatening injuries. Officials said he died on Tuesday. Police said Mixalis was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the fatal accident.
According to KAIR Radio, officers pursuing the Corolla driven by Papalas were unaware that a 17-month-old child was in the car at the time of the pursuit.
According to the radio station, Papalas is accused of fleeing from an Atchison County Sheriff's deputy after her vehicle was tracked down following a previous hit-and-run crash that occurred shortly before in the 700 block of South Street in the city of Atchison.
The fatal accident occurred a short time later during the chase, according to KAIR.
In addition to premeditated murder, Papalas is also charged with crimes such as reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol, as well as aggravated child endangerment, KAIR says.
According to KAIR, Papalas was formally arraigned during an appearance in Atchison County District Court on Tuesday.
She remained in the Atchison County Jail on $500,000 bail.
All rights reserved.
