HAMPTON, N.H. (WHDH) — Police in New Hampshire arrested a second woman in connection with the crash that killed two cyclists on Saturday.
Police say Cindy Sheppard sold drugs to Darriean Hess then let Hess use her car a few hours earlier.
Police say Sheppard knew Hess didn’t have a drivers license.
Hess was arraigned in court Wednesday morning
According to court documents, 19-year-old Hess, who was arraigned Wednesday, said she took her eyes off the road "for a few seconds" when the crash occurred.
Hess was charged with two counts of negligent homicide and two counts of assault, all felonies carrying a maximum of seven years in prison upon conviction.
Hess, who had been ordered held on $50,000 bail, was arraigned Wednesday via video from jail, and a judge continued her bond. Prosecutor Barry Newcomb said Hess was "a risk to public safety" and a flight risk, given that she has family in Alaska. Defense attorney Anthony Naro asked for bail to be reduced to $15,000. He did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment.
In a police affidavit, David Kelley, a retired state police major who witnessed the accident, said Hess admitted immediately afterward to taking her eyes off the road.
Killed in the accident were Pamela Wells, 60, of South Hamilton, Mass., and Elise Bouchard, 52, of Danvers, Mass.
“I’m happy that the bail is that high. Why should she be able to walk around, you know? My friend Elise can’t,” said Gordon Wiley, victim’s friend.
Hess' family cried in court and spoke out after the proceedings.
“Our entire family is completely traumatized, and we mourn for the people that were lost in this tragedy and pray for the ones that are injured,” said Mangus Hess, suspect’s brother.
Police say Hess had been stopped on the same road eight hours before the crash and ticketed for driving without a license.
She is due back in court on Oct. 8 for a probable cause hearing.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.