Texas County Man Charged In Laclede County Fatality

A Texas County man is now facing criminal charges for a fatal DWI crash in Laclede County that occurred in May of last year.

59-year-old Robert Koehler of Success was charged Wednesday with driving while intoxicated, resulting in death, driving while intoxicated causing serious injuries, and careless and imprudent driving. Koehler’s attorney, Chris Allen of Lebanon, entered a not-guilty plea Thursday on behalf of his client.

The accident happened late at night on May 28th, about three miles east of Lebanon. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that Koehler was driving on Highway 32 when he crossed the center line, side-swiped a pickup, then struck a small car head-on.

A passenger in the car, 28-year-old Mary Gladbach of Shawnee, Kansas, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the vehicle, 29-year-old Joseph Hamamy of Overland Park, Kansas, was flown to a Springfield hospital with serious injuries.

Koehler also suffered serious injuries during the crash.

A warrant for Koehler’s arrest was issued Tuesday in Laclede County. No court date has been set.