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Psych Evaluation Ordered For Chambers, Murder Charges Expected Next Month

25-year-old Adacia Avery Chambers
Stillwater Police Department
25-year-old Adacia Avery Chambers

The woman held in connection with a traffic collision during Saturday morning’s homecoming parade at Oklahoma State University that killed four people and injured dozens more will be charged with second-degree murder.

Updated 2:07 p.m.: Bond set at $1 million, family addresses media

Bond has been set at $1 million for Adacia Chambers, the woman arrested in connection with Saturday's deadly car crash during Oklahoma State University's homecoming parade.

Payne County Special District Judge Katherine Thomas also ordered a psychological evaluation for Chambers.

Chambers appeared by video monitor from the Payne County Jail, but did not speak except to acknowledge she understood what was being said. Payne County District Attorney Laura Thomas said they need a two week extension to formally file charges in the case.

Prosecutors also said they needed more time to interview the dozens of witnesses at the scene of Saturday morning's accident at Main Street and Hall of Fame Ave. Judge Thomas said the hearing will resume Nov. 13 at 1:30 p.m.

Chambers’ father, aunt, and boyfriend spoke to reporters shortly before the court appearance. Her boyfriend Jesse Gaylord said Chambers would not purposefully do what she’s been charged with, and he’s never known her to have a medical or mental episode.

“But that’s not to say that it could’ve happened, because I do go to school. I do have classes," Gaylord said. "I’m not with her 24/7, but I’ve never noticed her blacking out.”

Gaylord also said his girlfriend is normally a cautious driver who never broke any laws.

“She never turns out in front of any cars. She doesn’t run yellow lights. She always stops, looks both ways.”

Her father Floyd Chambers said his daughter has spent time in two mental facilities, but was released from both.

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Adacia Chambers is expected to appear by video from the Payne County Jail before Special District Judge Katherine E. Thomas at 1:30 p.m.

Stillwater Police investigators said Sunday morning that after consulting with the Payne County District Attorney’s office, they filed an affidavit to hold Chambers on four counts of second-degree murder. Chambers was arrested Saturday after the crash and held on a complaint of driving under the influence.

Shortly after the crash, Chambers was taken to the Stillwater Medical Center for a blood test. That’s required by Oklahoma law after collisions involving a fatality or serious injuries. Chambers is currently in the Payne County Jail and will make an initial court appearance Monday.

During a news conference Sunday, Chambers’ attorney Tony Coleman said he believes his client suffers from a mental illness.

“My visit with her lasted the better part of an hour, and during that entire interview I was not satisfied at all that I was communicating with a competent individual,” Coleman said.

He also said Chambers doesn’t remember much of what happened, and may have even blacked out leading up to the crash. Chambers told Coleman she only remembers the end of the crash, being removed from the 2014 Hyundai Elantra, shards of glass everywhere, and a general state of confusion.

Coleman said even though Chambers was arrested on suspicion of DUI, he doesn’t believe alcohol or drugs were involved. He told reporters he’s certified in DWI and DUI detection.

“I absolutely can rule out alcohol as a source of an intoxicant,” Coleman said. “There didn’t appear to be the smell of alcohol coming from her body. Her behavior was not consistent with someone who was coming off a drunken stupor.”

Coleman told NBC's Today Show Monday morning Chambers was hospitalized two years ago for an unspecified mental illness.

“Miss Chambers was hospitalized and perhaps evaluated. We are going to get that information at the appropriate time and present it when it’s necessary,” Coleman said. “But at that point in time I think she was medicated on a cocktail of medications, none of which she was on at the time of this incident.”

Police are still waiting on the results of that toxicology report from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. 

Brian Hardzinski is from Flower Mound, Texas and a graduate of the University of Oklahoma. He began his career at KGOU as a student intern, joining KGOU full time in 2009 as Operations and Public Service Announcement Director. He began regularly hosting Morning Edition in 2014, and became the station's first Digital News Editor in 2015-16. Brian’s work at KGOU has been honored by Public Radio News Directors Incorporated (PRNDI), the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters, the Oklahoma Associated Press Broadcasters, and local and regional chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists. Brian enjoys competing in triathlons, distance running, playing tennis, and entertaining his rambunctious Boston Terrier, Bucky.
Rachel Hubbard is a 20-year news veteran and serves as KOSU's executive director.
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