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Man formally charged in crash that killed girl boarding school bus

Posted at 11:32 AM, Nov 10, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-10 12:32:43-05

WAUSHARA COUNTY(NBC 26) -- A Plainfield man will face charges for a crash that killed a young girl earlier this year.

Carl L. Mullenix has been charged with homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle and reckless driving causing injury.

According to previous reports, 6-year-old Maryana Kranz was stuck and killed in February by a pickup truck while boarding a school bus. Her 4-year-old sister was also injured, but survived.

The criminal complaint, filed Monday, includes a statement from another driver who was stopped behind the school bus at the time of the crash. The criminal complaint indicated the pickup truck came up behind him at a high rate of speed. He moved his car to get out of the way, fearing he would be hit. The driver states in the criminal complaint that the truck passed him, and then passed the bus on the right, eventually stopping in front of the bus.

The criminal complaint also includes a statement from Mullenix, who said he hit his brakes after seeing the school bus and then steered to the passenger side of the bus. Mullenix also said he couldn't remember whether he saw people in the roadway when he was approaching the bus.

Authorities said the bus driver had warning lights, the flashing red lights, and the stop arm activated when stopping to pick up the children.

Mullenix is due in court Tuesday afternoon for an initial appearance.