Unborn Baby Dies In Traffic Accident, Drinking Suspected: Police

DACULA, GA -- The Gwinnett County Police Department is investigating a vehicle collision that resulted in the death of an unborn baby. The incident occurred Sunday, at around 8 p.m. on Winder Highway near Franklin Drive in Dacula.

Charles Rutledge, 37, of Lilburn, was driving in a white Nissan Titan southbound on Winder Highway just south of Franklin Drive.

Claudia Sanchez, 36, of Lawrenceville, was driving in a grey Nissan Sentra northbound in the opposite direction.

Christina Barnum, 22, of Auburn, was driving in a blue Toyota 4Runner behind the grey Nissan Sentra. Joseph Barnum, 23, and Jason Barnum, 2, were passengers.

According to the initial investigation, Rutledge crossed the double yellow lines and struck the side of the grey Nissan Sentra. Rutledge’s vehicle continued southbound in the northbound lanes and struck the blue Toyota 4 Runner head-on.

Christina, Joseph, and Jason were all transported to the hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries. Christina was in her 3rdtrimester of pregnancy. After Christina was treated for her injuries, it was determined that her unborn baby died as a result of the collision. Joseph was recently listed in stable condition. Jason’s condition is unknown.

Rutledge is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol during the time of the collision, police said. Criminal charges are likely following the conclusion of this investigation, according to police.

This is the second traffic collision that has resulted in the death of an unborn baby in the past few weeks.