Rowlett Woman Charged with Manslaughter in Motorcyclist's Death

A Rowlett woman is accused of causing a wreck that killed a motorcyclist last year in Collin County.

Lacie Pardun, 32, was arrested in October for criminally negligent homicide. This week, the charge was upgraded to manslaughter.

A crash report shows Pardun was speeding along State Highway 78 near Blue Ridge on Dec. 13, 2014.

The report says Pardun hit another vehicle before causing Russell Neis, 49, to crash his motorcycle. He died at the scene.

"When you think of Russ, you think of a gentleman, a hard worker, friendly," wife Tina Neis said.

Tina said her husband and nine friends were delivering toys to kids for Christmas. In a car behind them, she saw the wreck happen.

"I still sometimes hear my own screams as I'm trying to stop the car and get to him," Tina Neis said.

After his funeral, she said heartache turned into frustration when no charges were filed.

Pardun tested positive for amphetamines and marijuana at the time of the wreck, though it's unclear when that determination was made.

Pardun remains in the Collin County Jail. Her trial date is set for March 14, 2016.

If convicted, she faces between two and 20 years in prison.

This weekend, a Memorial Project Christmas Toy Ride will be held in Russell Neis's honor. Click here for more information.