A 22-year-old Texas mother accused of driving more than twice the speed limit with her two young children in the car faces manslaughter charges after a crash killed a couple who had recently graduated from college. Aldrea Rogers, 22, was arrested and charged with two counts of manslaughter in connection with the deaths of Julian Harris and Madison Duren, Dallas County jail records show.
Rogers was allegedly driving 82 mph in a 35 mph zone when she crashed into the couple’s vehicle, according to a newly released arrest affidavit. Harris, 23, and Duren, 22, had recently graduated from Southern Methodist University, where they shared a passion for theater. Harris died at the scene, while Duren was taken to a hospital, where she later died.
Rogers’ two children were also in her vehicle during the crash. All three survived, authorities said. Investigators said Harris was driving a Toyota Prius with Duren in the passenger seat when he attempted to turn left onto a major roadway.
The couple’s car was struck by a Hyundai Elantra driven by Rogers, who investigators said was traveling at a high rate of speed before the collision. Rogers was booked into the Dallas County Jail on Oct. 16, with bond set at $250,000 for each manslaughter charge, jail records show. Her total bond was listed at $500,000.
Harris and Duren were active in Dallas’ theater community after graduating from SMU, where they shared a passion for acting. Their friends, Eli Barron and Emmet Overcarsh, described the couple as curious, enthusiastic people who loved learning and connecting with others.
Overcarsh also expressed disbelief that Rogers, who was the same age as the victims, allegedly had her two young children in the car when the deadly crash occurred. The couple had been leaving their apartment when the crash occurred.
Friends said the deaths have been difficult to comprehend, particularly because Rogers was the same age as the victims and allegedly had her two young children in the car. A memorial service for Harris and Duren is scheduled for Oct. 31 at Southern Methodist University.
