Charges Filed In Fatal Collision In Des Moines

DES MOINES, IA — The driver of a pickup truck whose vehicle collided head on with another vehicle and killed two people earlier this fall has been charged with traffic violations and enhanced penalties due to their deaths, the Des Moines Police Department announced today. Ryan Rench, 28, has been charged with multiple traffic-related violations in connection with the Oct. 21 crash.

The accident occurred in the 3600 block of Southeast Army Post Road. Police said Rench was westbound and attempted to pass other vehicles when he entered oncoming traffic and collided with an eastbound SUV driven by Kathyrn Kinley, 56, of Des Moines. She died at the scene, as did a passenger in her vehicle, 13-year-old Nariyo Lee of Des Moines. A second passenger, Kaden Kinley, 12, sustained critical injuries.

Rench, the only person in his vehicle, also sustained serious injuries and was taken to an area hospital.

Police said Tuesday morning that Rench has been charged with unsafe passing, with enhanced penalties on two counts for causing death, and an enhanced penalty on one count for causing serious injury.

Rench is expected in Polk County court on Jan. 16 in connection with the case.

Patch file photo, Melissa Myers