Woman headed to trial after car with children crashed into Platte River

The case against Karni Metcalf, a 28-year-old woman from Grand Island, is set to proceed to trial court after her vehicle was found in the Platte River with two children inside. Metcalf faces two felony child abuse charges, and during a recent hearing, she waived her right to an evidence hearing, leading to her case being transferred to Hall County District Court.

An arraignment hearing is scheduled for April 15, where Metcalf is expected to enter a plea regarding the charges against her. In a related development, prosecutors have dropped three additional DUI charges associated with the incident.

On February 2, Hall County deputies discovered Metcalf's car in the river near the Highway 281/I-80 interchange, where she was found standing in the water. A deputy managed to rescue the two children who were still inside the vehicle.

Following the incident, Metcalf and the children received medical attention at CHI Health St. Francis for their injuries. According to a sheriff's report, the car had initially collided with a concrete retaining wall before plunging into the river.

The charges against Metcalf highlight the serious allegations of child endangerment, and the upcoming arraignment will be a crucial step in the judicial process as the case unfolds.