GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A motorcycle crash on Interstate 85 early Sunday morning resulted in the deaths of two riders and serious charges against a female driver.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:41 a.m. when 24-year-old Niamani Sade Defares allegedly drove under the influence and collided with the motorcycle from behind. The impact ejected both riders, leading to their deaths at the scene, according to Gwinnett County Police.
“Both of those individuals, unfortunately, died on scene,” said Cpl. Juan Madiedo of the Gwinnett County Police Department.
Authorities reported that Defares was tailgating the motorcycle before the collision. Following the initial impact, her vehicle also struck a third vehicle. Defares sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital before being booked into the Gwinnett County Jail.
She faces multiple charges, including two counts of vehicular homicide and driving under the influence, authorities confirmed. Investigators noted that she was driving with a suspended license and lacked insurance at the time of the crash.
The southbound lanes of I-85 were closed for several hours to allow police to document the scene. The names of the deceased riders have not yet been released, and the investigation is ongoing.
Defares is currently being held without bond.