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The Paly Voice

The Student News Site of Palo Alto High School

The Paly Voice

The Student News Site of Palo Alto High School

The Paly Voice

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Hit and run charges for Paly student

Amid a wave of mourning, a Paly senior was indicted Monday, after police said she ran down two Nixon Elementary students, killing one and injuring the other, on Tues. 28, Jan.

Since Wednesday, Megan Joelle Coughran has been out of Santa Clara County Jail on bail, facing two felony counts of hit and run. She is expected to enter a plea on Feb. 11.

Due to the tragedy, grief counseling has been made available at Nixon. In addition, last Wednesday various news organizations were stationed in the parking lot, which according to students was distracting, and made the situation harder.

At Paly, principal Sandra Pearson held an assembly for seniors Wednesday to discuss the events. "The overall message is for us all to consider the importance of personal responsibility, and to clarify the differences of being 18. The seniors were very subdued on Wednesday. I felt they really were actively listening," Pearson said.

According to local press, Nixon 1st grader Amy Malzbender died at about 1 p.m. Tuesday at Lucile Salter Packard Children’s Hospital with serious injuries to the head as a result of the incident. Chloe McAusland, a Nixon 5th grader, remains in hospital with a severely fractured leg, but is expected to recover and leave in two weeks following further surgery, according to family members.

The incident took place on Miranda Avenue at approximately 7:30 a.m. Tuesday. Police said Couhgran swerved into Malzbender and McAusland, as they stood to the side of the road, waiting for Malzbender’s father and brother, who were around 100 feet behind them. Thereafter, she continued on to school, where she was arrested at approximately 10:30 a.m..

In light of the tragedy, a memorial for Amy Malzbender will be held on Feb. 5 at 4 p.m. at the Hidden Villa Visitor Center, 26870 Moody Road, Los Altos Hills.

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