Defense cites medical issues in deadly crash that killed 2 Mounds View students

The woman accused of speeding through an intersection and killing two teenage girls made her first court appearance Friday afternoon.

After prosecutors filed charges stemming from the December crash, Rachel Kayl turned herself in Thursday night.

Wearing a pin with a picture of his daughter, Stephanie Carlson, and one of her best friends, Bridget Giere, Steven Carlson came to court to see Rachel Kayl for the first time.

“Selfishly, I wanted to get a look at who killed my daughter,” said Carlson.

Prosecutors charged Kayl with two counts of criminal vehicular homicide and one count of criminal vehicular operation, stemming from the deadly crash on Dec. 1.

Investigators say Kayl hit the girls at roughly 80 mph.

Stephanie and Bridget both died. A third friend survived, but received serious injuries.

The girls were on their way to Mounds View High School, while Kayl was headed to her nanny job, according to prosecutors.

During her first court appearance, Kayl’s attorney said she takes medication and suffers from ADHD, dyslexia and panic attacks.

Kayl does not have a criminal history, but does have four prior speeding tickets between 2005 and 2013.

Carlson hopes Kayl will never be allowed to drive again.

“I should hate her, but I don't hate her,” said Carlson. “But, I do want justice for my daughter and Bridget.”

The judge gave Kayl a couple of options for bailing out of jail - either $150,000 bond without conditions or $25,000 cash bail with conditions.

The judge pointed out the bail is high because of the potential risk she poses to public safety.