Two months ago, radio station KDND of Sacramento conducted a live contest in its studios in which participants competed for a free Wii. The idea was to have the contestants drink as much water as they could within a two hour period. The amusing contest turned into a tragedy when Jennifer Strange drank so much water that she entered into a state of water intoxication. She was found dead several hours later in her home.
Charges were brought against the radio station and radio personalities who conducted the stunt and were accused of manslaughter. However, KCRA.com reports that the criminal charges have been dropped by District Attorney Jan Scully in a statement released today. "The facts and circumstances of this ill-fated event do not support the filing of criminal charges against the radio station or any of its employees. Based on the evidence, no duty or special relationship existed or was created between the radio station and/or its employees and Jennifer Strange because of the contest."
In addition, the DA said, "Finally, and most importantly in our decision not to file involuntary manslaughter charges, there were no observable indications or symptoms that Jennifer Strange was experiencing a serious medical emergency which would have required station employees to seek or administer medical aid to her."
Roger Dreyer, the attorney for the deceased mother’s family, said that DA’s decision was not unexpected. "I am not surprised by the district attorney’s decision. We do not believe the conduct of the individuals (radio personalities) rose to criminal intent. It is consistent with our viewpoint from the beginning that the decision maker responsible was the management of Entercom."
