The State of Florida recognizes that accidents happen and people make mistakes. This is why vehicular homicide charges are only presented when a person kills someone while operating a motor vehicle in a manner that is reckless and likely to cause the death of or great bodily harm to another. Reckless driving can be assumed when you are driving under the influence, fleeing from police, driving more than 20 miles over the speed limit, running traffic signs or lights, or intentionally hitting another car. A charge of second-degree vehicular homicide has a penalty of a 15-year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine. First-degree vehicular homicide can result in heftier penalties.
The Orlando Sentinel reports that a Suwannee crash where a woman was driving over 100 m.p.h. has killed a teenage girl.
A teenager from Atlanta was killed early Tuesday in Florida when her mother fled from police at speeds of more than 100 m.p.h. She then crashed into a line of pine trees along Interstate 75 according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
15-year-old Aniyah M. Bynes was pronounced dead on the scene.
34-year-old Cinceria E. Cooke, the girl’s mother, suffered from serious injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. 17-year-old Clexia L. Bynes received minor injuries.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Cooke was driving a Chrysler 300 northbound on I-75 near White Springs, which is about 30 miles from the Georgia state line. At about 1 a.m. Tuesday, troopers clocked her speed at 103 m.p.h. and began to follow her.
Troopers stated that Cooke passed other vehicles on the emergency shoulder, made several improper lane changes, and stayed at speeds of over 100 m.p.h. with troopers following her. They had their emergency lights and sirens activated.
Cooke abruptly exited the interstate at State Road 47, but got back onto the interstate and continued heading north.
Near the exit for County Road 136 in Suwannee County, Cooke lost control of her vehicle and slammed into a line of pine trees on the shoulder.
Cooke was not wearing a seatbelt, but both daughters were.
It is currently unknown if alcohol was a factor in the crash.
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