19-year-old sentenced to five years in fatal Warren County DUI crash

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — A 19-year-old woman has been sentenced to five years in prison in connection with a 2023 crash that killed a Warren County woman.

Judge James Chaney sentenced Anna Gatchell to 20 years with 15 years suspended and five years to serve.

Gatchell, who was 16 at the time of the crash, collided with the vehicle of 69-year-old Paula Nevels. Nevels died as a result of the crash.

Authorities said Gatchell later tested positive for drugs and was charged with aggravated DUI.

During sentencing, members of Nevels’ family asked the court to impose prison time. Family members said Gatchell had been given multiple chances and urged Chaney to order time behind bars.

“My mother was a beautiful person,” Nevels’ daughter told the court.

After a brief recess, Chaney handed down the sentence.

Court records showed Gatchell had no prior adult criminal record.

Assistant District Attorney Michael Warren represented the state in the case.