Woman accused of DUI in crash that killed sister

A 26-year-old woman is accused of driving drunk and racing another car last week, resulting in a crash that killed the woman’s sister.

In the early morning hours of

Feb. 21, Melissa Dettlaff and 24-yearold Johnathan Gallagher raced down Silverado Ranch Boulevard, near Bermuda Road, at speeds of up to 90 mph after they had spent the evening at a local bar, according to a Metropolitan Police Department arrest report.

Gallagher’s 2022 Chevrolet Camaro hit Dettlaff ’s 2023 Mazda MX-5, causing a crash that killed 24-year-old Jessica Dettlaff, the passenger in the Mazda, police said. Both drivers were arrested.

Melissa Dettlaff and Gallagher suffered minor injuries. Gallagher passed field sobriety tests, but Melissa Dettlaff smelled of alcohol and had her blood drawn, according to police.

Gallagher faces charges of felony reckless driving resulting in death and participating in a speed contest. Dettlaff was charged with felony DUI causing death, reckless driving causing death and participating in a speed contest.

Both suspects posted bail and are out of custody. They are both due in court next month. near Via Da Vinci Avenue and Rivoli Street, according to a Henderson Police Department news release.

A gray SUV was westbound on Via Da Vinci, and the moped was southbound on a walking trail just west of Rivoli, when she crossed Via Da Vinci outside of a crosswalk, resulting in the crash.

The moped rider was taken a hospital, where she died.

Speed and impairment are not considered factors in the crash. It was the seventh accident-related fatality for the Henderson Police Department in 2024.

The name of the girl will be released by the Clark County coroner’s office after next of kin notifications.

Anyone with information in this case is urged to call the Henderson Police Department at 702-267-4911, 3-1-1, or, to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555.