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Trial reset for Lindale woman charged with two counts of intoxicated manslaughter

The trial for a Lindale woman accused of killing two people on Toll 49 in April 2017 has been rescheduled for the sixth time.
Jessica Vass (Smith County Jail)

SMITH COUNTY — A Lindale woman accused of killing two people in an April 2017 crash on Toll 49 made an appearance in a Smith County court on Monday, but her trial was delayed.

Jessica Lauren Vass' trial date was rescheduled for May 21. Her trial has been continued six times.

Vass, 35 was indicted Aug. 24, 2017 on two charges of intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle.

Gary McCrary, 62, of Flint, stopped to help Annette Burkhart, 56, of Garland, change a flat tire on Toll 49, north of Texas Highway 64, in Smith County.

According to the TxDOT crash report, 56-year-old Annette Burkhart was stopped on the far right edge of the pavement in the southbound lane of Toll 49 due to a flat tire, and 62-year-old Gary McCrary had stopped behind her to help, activating his hazard lights.

They were working to change the flat tire when Jessica Vass, 35, rear-ended McCrary's pickup, which then rear-ended Burkhart's Charger. Both vehicles then crashed into McCrary and Burkhart. McCrary was pronounced dead at the scene and Burkhart died from her injures at a local hospital.

Vass' vehicle rolled and came to rest in the middle of the Toll road. She was treated at the hospital and released.

The investigation shows shows that alcohol and speed factored into the fatal wreck. Vass had a BAC of .148, according to the report.

Vast turned herself into the Smith County Sheriff's Office June 6, 2017 after a warrant was issued for her arrest. She posted a $100,000 bond and was released the same day, according to jail records.

LouAnna Campbell with the Tyler Paper contributed to this story.

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