Bail raised for suspect in fatal DUI

Kim Smith

Monday, Jan. 29, 2001 | 10:51 a.m.

An Illinois woman indicted Thursday on involuntary manslaughter and DUI charges in connection with a fatal accident has until Friday to come up with another $150,000 in bail.

District Judge Michael Douglas increased Melissa Biba's bail from $100,000 to $250,000 Friday after prosecutors asked him to raise it to $2 million.

If Biba doesn't not come up with the additional funds, a warrant for her arrest will be issued.

Police believe Biba, 21, was driving up to 97 mph and passing cars on the right shoulder of northbound Interstate 15 when she sideswiped a pickup carrying Dick and Carlene Scott on Jan. 13. The pickup rolled numerous times and the Scotts were killed.

Prosecutors said blood tests taken within two hours of the accident showed Biba had a blood alcohol level of 0.17.

Friday's hearing was attended by the Scotts' children, representatives of Stop DUI and two Nevada Highway Patrol officers.

Deputy District Attorney Mary Brown asked Douglas to increase the bail in light of the fact it was recently learned that Biba was going at least 12 miles an hour faster than originally thought.

In addition, Biba reportedly told police that society was to blame for the accident, not her, and that she wasn't going to let the accident ruin her life, Brown said.

Such comments could be interpreted to mean that Biba plans to flee, she said.

Biba's attorney, Michael Cristalli, noted that although Biba had already been released on the lower bail amount, she showed up at Friday's hearing.

Biba was indicted on two counts each of involuntary manslaughter, reckless driving and driving under the influence of an intoxicating liquor, causing death.

If convicted, Biba could receive as much as 40 years in prison.