ALFRED — A Wells woman accused of killing two people while allegedly driving drunk and traveling the wrong way on the Maine Turnpike in April pleaded not guilty to two manslaughter charges Friday in York County Superior Court.

Donna J. Bartlett, 39, also entered not guilty pleas to 13 other counts, including two counts each of aggravated operating under the influence, driving to endanger and leaving the scene of an accident; six counts of reckless conduct; and a single count of aggravated assault.

As the criminal case against Bartlett proceeds, families of the victims are considering taking civil action against her.

On the night of April 28, police said, Bartlett's vehicle hit a Lincoln Town Car near mile marker 14 while going the wrong way on the northbound side of the interstate, killing two of the three occupants. Police have said that during the five-mile wrong-way drive, a state trooper tried to get her attention for two miles, but she never acknowledged the effort.

Police say Bartlett was drunk, but have not released the exact reading and results of blood alcohol tests. According to an affidavit, her blood alcohol level two hours after the accident was in excess of the state limit of 0.08 percent.

Killed in the crash were James McLaughlin, 65, of Gorham, who was driving the car, and Cooper Campbell, 15, of Portland. The boy's father, Steven Campbell, was badly injured.

After Friday's hearing, Bartlett's Saco-based attorney, John Webb, called the crash a tragedy.

"The ripple effect that it has had across so many families, so many communities. I can say Mrs. Bartlett's thoughts and prayers and sympathies are with everybody," he said.

Attorneys retained by the families to investigate and prosecute a civil case against Bartlett are asking for reports, records and any other information related to the crash.

The civil action could name Bartlett and anyone who may have recklessly or negligently served alcohol to her prior to the crash, according to court records.

Under state law, the families have 180 days after the accident to serve claim on anyone who negligently or recklessly served Bartlett, according to the motion filed by attorneys Philip Mancini and Thomas Dyhrberg.

Mancini, based in Portland, is representing McLaughlin's wife, Lorraine, and McLaughlin's estate; Dyhrberg, based in South Portland, is representing Campbell and Cooper Campbell's estate.

Mancini said records sought for any civil action would include information gathered by the state, including the district attorney's office and state police. Such information is generally confidential pending the outcome of a criminal matter, he said.

The attorneys cited a state law they say allows an exception for victims of a crime, subject to approval from the judge.

About 20 family members and friends of the Campbell family attended Friday's arraignment. Afterward, Dyhrberg, Steven Campbell's attorney, said his client has faith in the criminal justice system.

"He is putting his trust in (York County District Attorney) Mark Lawrence and his staff to obtain conviction on all charges against Donna Bartlett, and to seek the longest possible jail term," Dyhrberg said. Bartlett faces as much as 40 years in prison and a $50,000 fine just on the manslaughter charges.

Members of McLaughlin's family and friends also attended the hearing, including his daughter, Alyson Knox. Knox said family members were told to expect the not guilty pleas, and they plan to follow the case through to the end.

She said the court hearings are challenging, but the two families are leaning on each other.

"It's just hard. The level of anger is amazing," she said. "It helps knowing that other people understand how we feel. It's good to have people that remember that this is about my father, this is about Cooper."

Justice G. Arthur Brennan set the next court date for September. Bartlett remains free on $10,000 bail. She is not allowed to drink, use drugs or drive a car, and is subject to random searches.

Staff Writer Anne Gleason can be contacted at 282-8229 or at:

agleason@pressherald.com