DECATUR, Ga. — A couple from Georgia is facing involuntary manslaughter charges after it is alleged that they permitted their daughter and her friends to consume alcohol, which led to a tragic car accident resulting in a fatality.
The incident occurred in February, when 18-year-old Hannah Hackemeyer was driving while intoxicated and crashed her vehicle, ultimately causing the death of 18-year-old Sophia Lekiachvili. Hackemeyer has been indicted on several serious charges, including three counts of homicide by vehicle in the first degree, three counts of serious injury by vehicle, and a DUI charge. While she was taken into custody earlier this year, Hackemeyer has since been released on bond. If convicted on the homicide counts, she could face a maximum of 30 years behind bars. Attempts to obtain comments from Hackemeyer’s parents were unsuccessful as of Wednesday.
Charges have also been filed against Sumanth Rao, aged 50, and Anindita Rao, aged 49, who now face involuntary manslaughter, reckless conduct, and maintaining a disorderly house. Each of these charges could lead to a sentence of up to 10 years for involuntary manslaughter, along with possible additional time for the lesser misdemeanors. The accident left their 17-year-old daughter, Ananya Rao, with serious injuries, though she has since made a recovery, according to DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston.
District Attorney Boston noted that the Raos’ residence had a reputation for being a party venue, where local teenagers frequently gathered to drink during events such as Halloween, homecoming, and the start of the new school year. Boston remarked, “It is a miracle that nothing happened prior” to this incident.
At approximately 11:45 p.m. on February 23, after enjoying drinks at the Rao household, Hackemeyer, Rao, and Lekiachvili informed Sumanth Rao of their intention to take a drive. Reports indicate they departed with an open bottle of wine. Shortly after midnight on February 24, officers in DeKalb County, north of Atlanta, discovered a blue Mazda CX-5 overturned in a residential area. Authorities reported that Hackemeyer was speeding at 98 mph at the time of the crash.
Emergency responders rushed Lekiachvili to the hospital, but she succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter. The Raos now face potential prison terms of up to a decade for involuntary manslaughter, in addition to possible sentences of up to 12 months for the other charges. Anindita Rao was apprehended Wednesday, while Sumanth Rao was reportedly away but had arrangements set to turn himself in.
There has been no response from Sumanth Rao’s phone as it appears to be disconnected, and it remains unclear whether either of the Raos have legal representation at this time.
