JOHNSON COUNTY, Kan. — Johnson County’s top prosecutor says inhaling vapors is a growing trend in the metro, leading to senseless injuries and deaths.
“Innocent people end up getting hurt or killed, who are just minding their own business,” District Attorney Steve Howe said.
Angeline Shelor, 25, went before a Johnson County judge Wednesday. The Olathe woman is facing three charges: second degree murder, reckless driving, and abusing toxic vapors.
Prosecutors didn’t go into too many details while the case is still open, but they charge Shelord with inhaling illegal vapors, then causing a head-on collision last August that killed 77-year-old Lelia Roberts. Court records show Shelor was also critically injured. She stood on crutches in the courtroom Wednesday.
Howe said the county is seeing more and more cases of inhaling vapors, which is also known as huffing, or breathing in chemicals or fumes from spray cans or e-cigarettes.
“When an individual conducts himself in that way, it’s just a matter of time before something tragic is going to happen, and we see this time and time again throughout the metro. You can be charged with a DUI for being under the influence of toxic vapors, just like any other offense,” he said.
Shelor remained in custody Wednesday. Her bond is set at $500,000. Among other restrictions, she’s not allowed to drive. She’s due back in court June 2.
Roberts’ family declined to speak with FOX 4. A former neighbor didn’t want to go on camera, but she did say Roberts was a part-time teacher with Olathe Public Schools.