Prosecutor moves to amend charges in 2022 fatal crash

By Dan Thesman on Thursday, October 31st, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

RICHLAND, Washington – Benton County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Eisinger confirmed Wednesday he moved to amend the charge of vehicular homicide to driving under the influence against Katie B. Torguson of Kennewick.

She was involved in a deadly collision on Oct. 15, 2022, on State Route 240 in Richland.

Originally, the Washington State Patrol said Torguson was driving the wrong way. However, subsequent collision reconstruction has cast doubts on her direction of travel or that she was the proximate cause of the collision.

Marshall E. Tapani, 26, of Pasco died at a Tri-Cities hospital because of injuries sustained in the collision.

Court documents state Torguson’s blood was found to have an alcohol consumption of .097 and Tapani’s blood was found to have an alcohol concentration of .187.

As for the case against Torguson, it is currently pending trial.

Photo via Washington State Patrol