Faces Murder Charges Related To The Deaths Of Two Young Girls

Former Space Shuttle pilot James Halsell Jr. has been charged with murder following an automobile accident in central Alabama Monday.

The Houston Chronicle reports that, according to Alabama authorities, Hasell was driving a rented Chrysler 200 when he hit a Ford Fiesta with four people inside. The accident killed Jayla Latrice Parler, 13, and 11-year-old Niomi Deona James. Neither girl was wearing a seatbelt, and they were thrown from the car, according to the report.

Police say they found an empty container of sleeping pills and a wine bottle in the motel room that had been occupied by Halsell. Investigators said in court documents that he smelled of alcohol, slurred his speech and was unable to stand on his feet when he was questioned at about 0300 local time Monday at the accident scene near Tuscaloosa.

The girls' father, 37-year-old Pernell James and a passenger, 25-year-old Shontel Cutts were also in the car. Both were treated for injuries at area hospitals, according to the report.

Halsell reportedly tried to get into a truck belonging to a person who stopped to try to help the people in the car.

When questioned by state police, Halsell said he did not remember what had happened. He said he was traveling to West Monroe, LA to pick up his son and had stopped at the motel for the night. He said he had consumed three glasses of wine and did not remember leaving the motel.

Halsell has been charged with two counts of murder and was released after posting $150,000 bond.

Halsell flew on five shuttle missions during his career, and was commander of three of those missions.

(Image credit: Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office)

FMI: www.tcsoal.org