COLUMBUS, Ohio — A woman has been indicted on multiple charges related to a fatal wrong-way crash on Route 315 on May 4, 2023.
Xiaoke Fan, 27, is accused of driving a stolen vehicle for approximately four miles before colliding with another vehicle, resulting in the death of passenger Kaitlyn Spahr and serious injuries to the driver, according to prosecutors. Witnesses reported the victims were returning home from a softball game at the time of the incident.
During a hearing in Franklin County Common Pleas Court, Spahr's twin sister, Rachel Spahr, urged the judge to deny bond, emphasizing the impact of the tragedy on their family. “Kaitlyn never gets to go home again,” she stated.
Authorities assert that before the crash, Fan approached a woman asking for a ride, indicating she needed to find police. According to prosecutors, Fan threatened the woman and thereafter stole the vehicle. The crash occurred shortly after the woman fled the scene.
Fan appeared virtually for her arraignment and remains confined with a bond set at $3 million. Defense attorneys noted she is a Chinese national on a student visa, recovering from injuries sustained in the crash. A previous plea of not guilty by reason of insanity will be refiled once a judge is assigned to the case.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities yet to confirm if there will be lane closures or further actions taken in relation to the crash.