Step-grandmother charged in crash that killed child not wearing seat belt

HARNETT COUNTY, North Carolina (WTVD) -- Harnett County Sheriff's Office has arrested a woman they say was driving a car that crashed, killing a 5-year-old girl.

According to the Highway patrol, Bernadette Walker, 57, was behind the wheel, four of her step-grandchildren were in the car with her and none of them were wearing a seat belt.

Authorities say on August 30, Walker was driving in Harnett County when she ran off the road into a ditch. The car rolled over and stopped after hitting a utility pole.

Everyone in the car was injured, including Walker. The kids, all younger than 12, were transported to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville. Authorities say Walker's 5-year-old step-granddaughter, Kamariya Long, had succumbed to her injuries and died.

Walker has been charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of felony child abuse resulting in serious injury.

She's being held under a $25,000 secured bond.