An inmate from Columbia who admits she was intoxicated when her vehicle struck and killed a motorcyclist on Providence in 2021 will be paroled from prison in about two years.
76-year-old Susan Hanel has been in custody since the deadly crash happened and has been in prison since October 2023, when she was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years with credit for time served. Missouri Department of Corrections spokesman Garry Brix says Missouri’s Probation and Parole Board has scheduled Hanel’s release date for January 28, 2027. That appears to be the longest the DOC can hold Hanel, under state law.
939 the Eagle News was in Boone County Circuit Court for Hanel’s emotional October 2023 sentencing. She pleaded guilty that day to misdemeanor driving while intoxicated and to felony leaving the scene. As part of the plea agreement, Boone County prosecutors dropped felony involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action charges in return. 25-year-old Columbia motorcyclist Skylar Maddox was killed in the horrific crash. Skylar’s mother, Jenny Maddox, testified during the 2023 sentencing hearing, describing Susan Hanel as a “waste of oxygen.” Ms. Maddox sobbed in the courtroom, telling Boone County Circuit Judge Joshua Calvin Devine that seven-and-a-half years is not enough and that she has a broken heart with her son gone. Ms. Maddox looked directly at Hanel as she testified, telling Judge Devine that Hanel is not remorseful and that she hopes Hanel suffers physical pain like her son did, adding that she hopes Hanel dies alone and is tormented.
Columbia Police say Ms. Hanel was northbound on Providence in November 2021, when she entered the center turn lane at East Sexton and failed to yield when making a left turn. CPD says 25-year-old Skylar Maddox was unable to avoid her vehicle and collided with the rear passenger side.
