Couple killed in separate crashes into the same church, days apart

RIVERSIDE, Alabama – A woman in Alabama died after crashing her car into a church while fleeing from police Sunday. Just days earlier, her boyfriend died after crashing into the same church.

Anthony Banks Jr., 19, died Thursday after losing control of his car and crashing into the basement of Riverside Baptist Church on Depot Street in St. Clair County just before 1:30 a.m.

Riverside Fire and Rescue worked through the night to contain the flames from the fiery crash.

Three days later, 19-year-old Jennefer L. Arellano-Maldonado, was fleeing from police on her 2019 BMW X5 when she also crashed into the church at about 12:53 a.m.. The church was still charred from her boyfriend's crash, Alabama State Troopers said.

"Riverside Baptist Church has been a staple in our small town for decades and our thoughts and prayers are with them and the family of the deceased during this difficult time," the fire department said in a post on Facebook.

The investigation is ongoing by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.