Death of woman in traffic fatality ruled a homicide

Paul Lauritson  of Hudson, was driving Stephanie Dripps, of Dysart, on October 8 of this year.  They were involved in a collision resulting in both of their deaths.  The Benton County medical examiner’s office has now ruled that Ms. Dripps’ death was a homicide.

Deputy Medical Examiner Dr. Mark Dearden says the homicide was caused by “multi-system trauma caused by a motor vehicle accident.”  No more information was released on why her death was ruled a homicide and whether or not the driver, who was also killed, was responsible or a victim of homicide as well.

According to the police report, Lauritson drove into the path of an oncoming SUV on a road near Garrison.  The three people in the oncoming vehicle, a mother and her two children, were taken to area hospitals for treatment.