Commonwealth Journal

October 20, 2006

Report: Worley now faces murder charge

SUSAN WHEELDON CJ Staff Writer

MONTICELLO — — A Pulaski County woman who drove her vehicle into Lake Cumberland, resulting in the death of her 8-year-old son, now faces murder charges, according to a news report.

WLEX-TV reported a Wayne County grand jury has upgraded the charges against Wynema Worley to murder and attempted murder.

The Lexington television station said Worley was indicted in Wayne County on Wednesday.

Worley, 27, of Bronston, had previously been charged with second-degree manslaughter by the Kentucky State Police when she was arrested on Aug. 23.

Worley drove her car into Lake Cumberland with both her 8-year-old son, Dylan Rambo, and 6-year-old daughter, Misty Rambo, shortly after midnight Saturday morning, Aug. 19, at Cumberland Point Boat Ramp in Wayne County.

Both Worley and Misty Rambo were able to escape, while Dylan Rambo later died. He was pronounced dead at 2:48 a.m. at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital. Dylan was a third-grader at Burnside Elementary.

A release from the Kentucky State Police said Worley was traveling to a relative’s residence near the boat ramp.

After Worley’s arrest Detective Doug Boyd with the Kentucky State Police said, “After a thorough investigation, we could not substantiate (the crash) was intentional.” He added the incident “fit the elements” of second-degree manslaughter.

However, WLEX reported on Wednesday that the charges were upgraded after a witness testified to the grand jury, alleging Worley intentionally drove her car into the lake.

“It’s been reported that Worley’s daughter allegedly told a nurse at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital that her mother suddenly said she was going to drive her car into the lake,” reported WLEX. “However, the Commonwealth’s Attorney tells us that the nurse is not the witness. In fact, it’s another person who claims the damaging information actually came directly from Worley herself. But prosecutors are not revealing who that person is at this time.”

Worley is currently lodged in the Wayne County Detention Center, where her bond is set at $30,000 cash or two times property.

Worley has entered a plea of not guilty.

The indictments in Wayne County are currently sealed and Commonwealth’s Attor-ney Larry Rogers did not immediately return calls from the Commonwealth Journal.