Woman jailed after child dies from injuries in Sunday crash during police chase near Atchison

ATCHISON, Kan. (WIBW) – A woman is in jail after a 1-year-old boy died from injuries he suffered in a rollover crash that occurred Sunday evening during a police chase in Atchison County, authorities said.

First-degree charges have been filed against Maria Papalas, 28, in connection with the death of Mixalis Papalas-Schulpz, who authorities said was in the car she was driving as she attempted to elude Atchison County sheriff's deputies. According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, both were from Atchison.

The fatal crash was reported at 5:36 pm Sunday at 224th and Sherman roads, about 5 miles south of Atchison.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, the crash occurred during a police chase, as a 2014 Toyota Corolla was traveling south on Sherman Road at a high rate of speed.

Papalas, who was driving the vehicle, lost control on a curve because of the high speed. The car entered the west ditch and rolled multiple times before coming to rest on its top.

Papalas was transported to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka for treatment of suspected minor injuries. The patrol said she wasn't wearing a seat belt. Following treatment at Stormont Vail, Papalas was released Monday into the custody of the Atchison County Jail, KAIR said.

Meanwhile, Mixalis was transported to Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo., with life-threatening injuries. Officials said he died on Tuesday. The patrol said Mixalis was in his safety restraint at the time of the fatal crash.

According to KAIR Radio, officers who were pursuing the Corolla being driven by Papalas didn't realize a 17-month-old child was in the car at the time of the pursuit.

According to the radio station, Papalas is accused of fleeing from an Atchison County sheriff's deputy after her vehicle was located following an earlier hit-and-run crash that had just occurred in the 700 block of S. Street in the city of Atchison.

The fatal crash then occurred a short time later during the chase, KAIR says.

In addition to first-degree murder, Papalas also is charged with offenses ranging from reckless driving and driving under the influence to aggravated child endangerment, KAIR says.

Papalas was formally charged during an Atchison County District Court appearance on Tuesday, KAIR reported.

She remained in the Atchison County Jail on a $500,000 bond.

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