The woman accused of crashing into crowds on the Las Vegas Strip last month is now facing 71 charges and if convicted, could be sentenced to more than 1,000 years in prison.
During a hearing Wednesday, prosecutors filed battery and additional attempted murder charges against Lakeisha Holloway. She was originally was facing charges of murder, attempted murder and child endangerment, since her 3-year-old daughter was in the car at the time of the crash.
The crash on Dec. 20 killed 32-year-old Jessica Valenzuela of Arizona and injured dozens more. Prosecutors said three people are still in the hospital a month later and said one man went back to Mexico on a ventilator.
For the 34 surviving victims, Holloway faces 2 charges for each, including attempted murder with a deadly weapon and battery. She was also charged with another count of child abuse and neglect for an 11-year-old who was hit on the Strip.
“These additional charges reflect the totality of the lives impacted by the defendant’s actions," said Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson. “If convicted of all charges, the defendant may be sentenced to over 1,000 years in prison.”
The crash occurred between Planet Hollywood and Paris hotel-casinos on Las Vegas Boulevard. Police said Holloway left the scene and was taken into custody at Tuscany Hotel and Suites shortly after.
On Dec. 30, toxicology results revealed that Holloway had marijuana in her system at the time of the crash but experts said it doesn't prove her driving was affected.
Holloway told police that she was homeless and "stressed out" at the time of the crash. Her defense attorney, Joseph Abood, said Wednesday that she's doing somewhat better.
"She's still in a difficult state of mind," he said. "I'm not sure there's much more we can add to that."
Her hearing Wednesday was over in about five minutes. Her next hearing will be at 8 a.m. Feb. 4.
