A woman known for her erratic and hostile interactions with law enforcement, dubbed the “Screaming Banshee,” is now facing serious charges after a fatal crash that killed a 73-year-old man in Massachusetts.
Lauren Mullins, a 32-year-old law clerk from Roselle Park, New Jersey, has been charged with operating under the influence and negligent operation of a motor vehicle after she allegedly struck a man on a moped near the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge. The incident occurred on March 21, 2025, and resulted in the death of Daniel O’Neil, who succumbed to his injuries two days later.
At the time of the crash, police said Mullins appeared intoxicated and uncooperative at the scene. According to local authorities, she refused standard sobriety tests and became verbally aggressive with officers. She is currently being held on a $65,000 cash bail.
A Pattern of Volatile Behavior
Mullins is no stranger to law enforcement. Her arrest record in New Jersey spans nearly a decade, with multiple incidents involving assault on officers, disorderly conduct, and other public disturbances.
One particular encounter from June 2024 in Westfield, NJ, has recently gained renewed attention. Body camera footage from the Westfield Police Department shows Mullins screaming and resisting arrest. During the arrest, she shouted, “I don’t care if I spend the rest of my life in prison!”—a statement that some now see as chillingly prophetic.
That footage, which circulated widely on social media following the fatal crash, played a major role in reviving public scrutiny over the judicial handling of Mullins’ past offenses.
Despite her frequent run-ins with the law, Mullins had previously avoided significant jail time. Critics now argue that earlier interventions—such as mandated rehabilitation or stricter sentencing—could have prevented the deadly crash in Cambridge.
The Fatal Crash
According to the Cambridge Police Department, Mullins was driving in the area near MIT when she struck Daniel O’Neil, a local resident who was riding his moped. Emergency services responded quickly, and O’Neil was transported to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, he died from his injuries two days later.
Court documents revealed that Mullins had a blood alcohol content well above the legal limit at the time of the incident. Witnesses at the scene described her behavior as aggressive and incoherent.
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office confirmed the charges and noted that Mullins’ past conduct in New Jersey may be considered during court proceedings.
Victim’s Family Seeks Justice
O’Neil’s family has spoken publicly about the tragedy, expressing frustration that Mullins was allowed to remain on the road despite her past behavior. “This didn’t need to happen,” said a relative. “Someone with that kind of record should never have been behind the wheel.”
The family has also called for a deeper investigation into how prior legal cases against Mullins were handled in New Jersey and whether systemic lapses enabled her to continue engaging in reckless behavior.
Public and Legal Response
Public outrage has grown following the resurfacing of Mullins’ past encounters with law enforcement. Many are questioning the effectiveness of New Jersey’s criminal justice system in preventing repeat offenses, especially in cases involving substance abuse or violence against police.
Legal experts note that while previous charges don’t automatically lead to harsher penalties, the combination of frequent arrests and documented behavioral issues could serve as aggravating factors in the Massachusetts case.
As the case proceeds, Mullins is expected to face multiple hearings in Cambridge. She is being represented by a public defender, who has yet to comment publicly on the charges.