Driver accused in fatal wrong-side crash faces vehicular homicide charges

On November 9, 2024By Pranco

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WSMV) – A driver charged in Thursday night’s fatal wrong-way crash in Murfreesboro is now facing vehicular homicide charges, according to Murfreesboro police.

Lora Allison Tenpenny, 23, has been charged with vehicular homicide, reckless endangerment and driving under the influence after a Murfreesboro man was killed in a wrong-way crash on South Church Street.

The crash happened on S. Church Street just before 7:30 p.m. and closed all lanes for several hours.

Police said Tenpenny was driving a Jeep southbound in the northbound lane on S. Church Street when she crashed head-on into a BMW. Tenpenny’s Jeep was flipped on its side.

The driver of the BMW, a 28-year-old Murfreesboro man, was killed in the crash. Tenpenny and her 22-year-old passenger were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, MPD said.

MPD said an off-duty Williamson County sheriff’s deputy witnessed the crash and called 911, and off-duty safety officer/paramedic Capt. Karl Daigle of the Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department also stopped after seeing the wreck.

The pair pulled the BMW driver from his car and began CPR. Emergency crews took over once they arrived, MPD said.

Tenpenny has been released from the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center after posting $72,000 bond.

“She has a hearing in Rutherford County General Sessions Court on November 19,” MPD said.