Man Charged in Car Crash That Killed His Father

A Warrenton man is facing a felony charge in the death of his father in a one-car crash Sunday on Highway 47 in Warren County.

Mark D. Laney, 31, is charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Rex D. Laney, 50, Moscow Mills. Bond was set at $50,000 in the case.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reported that Mark Laney was driving a 1997 Cadillac southbound on Highway 47 and lost control when he failed to negotiate a curve. The car crossed the centerline, ran off the left side of the road, through a ditch and overturned.

Rex Laney was ejected when the car overturned. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Roger Mauzy, Warren County coroner.

According to a probable cause statement filed in court, officers reported that Mark Laney was “unsteady on his feet” and that they smelled alcohol on his breath. His speech also was slurred, according to the statement.

According to troopers, Laney admitted that he had been drinking earlier with his father at the VFW hall in Warrenton. He refused to take a field sobriety test, citing injuries he sustained in the accident. He did admit that he drank too much to be driving, according to the probable cause statement.

The suspect was taken to St. Joseph’s Health Center, Wentzville, where he was treated for moderate injuries, according to the patrol report.

The patrol said the 6:20 p.m. crash happened north of South Bend Road.