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Woman Pleads Not Guilty In Crash That Killed 5

BRIGHTON, Colo. (AP) - The driver charged in a fatal accident that killed a family of five at an intersection in Thornton has pleaded not guilty.

Thirty-four-year-old Monica A. Chavez faces charges in the Feb. 17 deaths of 34-year-old Randy Stollsteimer, 31-year-old Crystaldawn Stollsteimer and their three children, ages 7, 9, and 12.

She faces five criminally negligent homicide counts in their deaths, as well as two charges of child abuse because her children were in her SUV at the time of the accident.

Prosecutors allege Chavez ignored a doctor's order not to drive until she saw a neurologist despite suffering two seizure-like episodes since 2006. Chavez told investigators she couldn't afford treatment.

The Denver Post reports Chavez left a court hearing Monday without commenting.

Her trial is scheduled to begin May 7.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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