Virginia

19-Year-Old Suspected Drunken Driver Accused of Striking, Killing Woman in Virginia Held Without Bond

A 19-year-old Loudoun County, Virginia, man accused of driving drunk and hitting and killing a woman out walking Friday morning will be held without bond.

A preliminary hearing was scheduled for April 12 for Zachary L. Frye, 19, of Purcellville. 

A preliminary investigation revealed Frye was driving eastbound on Morrisonville Road in Lovettsville when he struck Lauren McDarby, went off the road and crashed into a tree, the sheriff's office said.

Friends said McDarby died right in front of Zion Lutheran Church, which she had attended for 15 years.

A passerby came upon the scene about 7:30 a.m. and saw a vehicle off the road, the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office said.

One of the first people to arrive at the scene said the suspected drunken driver was screaming, crying and hitting his head on the stone wall of the church after he saw that McDarby had died.

Police said Frye's breath smelled of alcohol and he had glassy, bloodshot eyes. He told police he had been drinking at a friend's house.

Frye was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter and driving while intoxicated.

Deputies said Frye had minor injuries.

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