“Clarksville Man Daniel Havens Charged with Manslaughter in Makayla Prince’s Death”.
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- 1 “Clarksville Man Daniel Havens Charged with Manslaughter in Makayla Prince’s Death”.
A Clarksville man, Daniel Havens, has been arrested for manslaughter after a devastating crash that resulted in the death of his girlfriend, Makayla Prince. The incident occurred on April 13, 2024, when police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Highway 352 in Clarksville, Arkansas. When officers arrived, they found Havens’ vehicle upside down and off the roadway. Although Havens initially told first responders that he was the only one in the vehicle, Prince was tragically discovered dead underneath it.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, law enforcement found an open beer can near the crash site and suspected Havens had been driving under the influence. Further investigations revealed that he was under the influence of fentanyl and ketamine at the time of the accident. Havens was life-flighted to a hospital in Little Rock with non-life-threatening injuries, while Prince was taken to the coroner’s office.
On August 1, Havens was arrested and booked for manslaughter. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 18. This heartbreaking incident has left a community in mourning and serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of impaired driving. For more updates, you can watch 5NEWS on YouTube or download the 5NEWS app on your smartphone.
Man accused of manslaughter after woman’s death in Clarksville
Havens told first responders there was no one else in the vehicle, but his girlfriend Makayla Prince was found dead underneath the vehicle, the affidavit said.
JOHNSON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, Ark. — A Clarksville man has been arrested for manslaughter after his girlfriend was found dead under his car after a crash in April.
An affidavit says that on April 13, 2024, police responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 352 in Clarksville.
Once on the scene, the vehicle was found upside down and off the roadway. The driver, identified as Daniel Havens, was located and his speech was incoherent, according to the affidavit.
Havens told first responders there was no one else in the vehicle, but his girlfriend Makayla Prince was found dead underneath the vehicle, according to the affidavit.
Law enforcement found an open can of beer near the vehicle during their investigation, and suspected that Havens had been drinking and driving, the affidavit said.
Havens was life flighted from the scene to a hospital in Little Rock with non-life-threatening injuries. Prince was transported to the coroner’s office.
Investigators obtained a warrant to test Haven’s blood and later found that he was under the influence of fentanyl and ketamine at the time of the crash, according to the affidavit.
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office jail roster shows that 31-year-old Havens was arrested and booked on Aug. 1 for manslaughter. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 18.
5NEWS first reported on the crash in April. According to the crash report from the Arkansas Department of Public Safety, Prince was 24 years old when she died.
The report says that Havens “failed to negotiate a left curve and ran off the roadway,” hitting two metal signs before striking a concrete culvert.
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Who Was Found at the Scene of the Crash?
When first responders arrived at the crash site on Highway 352 in Clarksville, they stumbled upon a chaotic scene. The vehicle was upside down and off the roadway. The driver, Daniel Havens, was found with speech that was incoherent, making it difficult for the responders to understand what had happened. Havens initially told first responders there was no one else in the vehicle. However, a subsequent search revealed his girlfriend, Makayla Prince, tragically pinned underneath the car. According to the affidavit, this raised immediate questions about the circumstances leading to the accident.
What Did the Police Find During Their Investigation?
As investigators combed through the scene, they found several alarming pieces of evidence. Notably, an open can of beer was discovered near the vehicle, suggesting that alcohol might have played a role in the crash. The affidavit later revealed that Havens had been suspected of drinking and driving. These suspicions deepened when a warrant was obtained to test Havens’ blood. The results were damning—he was found to be under the influence of both fentanyl and ketamine at the time of the crash. The presence of these substances painted a grim picture of impaired driving, further complicating the investigation.
Why Was Havens Airlifted?
Given the severity of the crash, Havens was airlifted to a hospital in Little Rock. Although his injuries were non-life-threatening, the decision to utilize a life flight underscores the gravity of the situation. Meanwhile, Makayla Prince’s body was transported to the coroner’s office, where an autopsy would later confirm the cause of death. This tragic event has left many in the community grappling with grief and searching for answers.
When Was Havens Arrested?
After months of investigation, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office took action. On August 1, 31-year-old Daniel Havens was arrested and booked for manslaughter. According to the jail roster, he is currently awaiting his next court appearance scheduled for September 18. This arrest has brought a sense of justice to some, but for others, it has only added to the emotional turmoil.
What Did the Crash Report Reveal?
Details from the crash report provided by the Arkansas Department of Public Safety shed more light on the incident. The report stated that Havens “failed to negotiate a left curve and ran off the roadway,” ultimately hitting two metal signs before colliding with a concrete culvert. Makayla Prince, who was only 24 years old, lost her life in this tragic accident. The specifics of the crash raise important questions about road safety and the implications of impaired driving.
How Has the Community Reacted?
The community of Clarksville has been deeply affected by this tragic event. Friends and family of Makayla Prince have expressed their grief and disbelief over her untimely death. Social media has been flooded with tributes and messages of support, reflecting the profound impact she had on those around her. The incident has also sparked discussions about the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of making responsible choices behind the wheel.
What Are the Next Steps in the Legal Process?
As Daniel Havens prepares for his upcoming court appearance on September 18, many are closely watching to see how the legal proceedings will unfold. The charge of manslaughter carries serious consequences, and the court’s decision will likely have lasting implications for all parties involved. Meanwhile, the community continues to mourn Makayla Prince, hoping that justice will be served.
For more updates on this story, you can follow 5NEWS on YouTube or download the 5NEWS app on your smartphone. You can also stream 5NEWS 24/7 on the 5+ app, available on your preferred streaming device. To report any errors or typos in this story, please email the KFSMDigitalTeam.