CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — Maliah Dawn Bishop appeared in court on July 30 related to a home confinement violation stemming from a DUI crash that severely injured Capital High School graduate Dean Kelly on April 6.
Bishop, charged with DUI causing serious bodily injury, reportedly crossed into oncoming traffic, colliding with Kelly's vehicle, and had a blood alcohol content twice the legal limit. First responders extracted Kelly, who was trapped for approximately 45 minutes, and he continues to recover at home.
The hearing was postponed when her attorney requested to withdraw from the case, and Bishop sought new legal representation. Authorities confirmed that she was under home confinement due to a prior cocaine-related conviction.
Kelly, still reliant on a walker and wheelchair, remains optimistic about recovery despite ongoing challenges. “I'll never be the same,” he stated, emphasizing the life changes since the crash.
In light of his experience, Kelly hopes to influence others against drinking and driving. “If it just touches one person out there — do not drink and drive — I think it'll be worth it,” he said.
Bishop's charges remain unresolved as the legal process continues.