PALMDALE – The vice principal of a middle school in Palmdale is facing a vehicular manslaughter charge.
Jada Lashay Jackson of Knight Prep Academy was charged last month in connection with a 2015 traffic crash that killed 79-year-old Beverly Arlene Dwyer of Lancaster, according to court records.
The multi-vehicle crash happened around 3:24 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015, in the intersection of 70th Street East and Avenue K in Lancaster, according to Detective Michael Politano of the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station.
Jackson was driving a 2013 GMC Terrain northbound on 70th Street East, and Beverly Dwyer was a passenger in a 2002 Saturn that was headed eastbound on Avenue K, according to Politano.
Jackson stopped at the stop sign and then accelerated into the intersection, failing to yield to the Saturn, which had no stop sign, Politano said, citing witness statements.
Jackson’s GMC Terrain collided with the Saturn, and then the Saturn spun out of control and collided with a 2005 Dodge Ram pickup that was traveling westbound on Avenue K, according to Politano.
Beverly Dwyer was transported to the hospital with critical injuries and she died about three weeks later.
“She died as a result of multiple blunt force injuries from an auto collision. Her date of death was Oct. 15, 2015, at 11:25 p.m.,” said coroner’s Assistant Chief Ed Winter.
Beverly Dwyer’s husband, who had been driving the Saturn, sustained serious injuries in the collision. James Dwyer is still being treated for his injuries at the hospital, according to a family member.
Jackson was charged on March 7 with one count of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter in connection with the crash, according to court records.
She pleaded not guilty on March 15 and remains out of custody on her own recognizance.
A pretrial hearing is set for May 24, according to Ricardo Santiago of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
If convicted as charged, Jackson could face a maximum penalty of 364 days in county jail, Santiago said.
Jada Jackson is the vice principal at Knight Preparatory Academy, a middle school charter academy offered by Antelope Valley Union High School District, according to the school’s website.
Calls to the Antelope Valley Union High School District regarding Jackson were not immediately returned.
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LR VonHoffmann says
How many of the responders understand the physical pain of blunt trauma that the victims endured, and in Mr. Dwyer’s case, continues to endure? The ordeal of prolonged hospitalization?The excruciating pain, needles, blood, then death? The emotional impact on a family of a preventable death? The agony of watching another family member continue to suffer? A lot of space has been devoted to what a “fine” person Ms. Jackson is, but the victims seem to be secondary to some. I have suffered severe traumatic fractures, seen the impact of family hospitalization, both personally and as a physician. The impact can not be dismissed or under estimated. The laws are there for a reason. Just as Ms. Jackson has rules at her school, society has rules. She broke them, with terrible consequences. This was not malicious hence the charge of manslaughter, not murder. She did not intend to harm anyone. But she did. Her reputation will influence the judge in sentencing, but it should not influence the jury on the facts of the case and the law. And her guilt or innocence hopefully will be decided without emotion, but on the merit of the charges. I pray for all involved. There are no winners. This is a dreadful tragedy both for Ms. Jackson and the Dwyer family.
Big Tone says
She looks like she was finer than a….. back in her younger years.
Tell The Truth says
normally I dont defend these people HOWEVER, I have done this very thing. I thought it was a four way stop and thank God the other driver had time to slow down. IMO put in lights OR turn the intersections into four way. THis very thing has been happening for decades.
CK says
Running red lights and stop signs is rampant right now whether on purpose or on accident. It is out of control. I was almost hit AGAIN today by TWO people that chose to run a red light. Luckily I drive defensively. Unfortunately whether on accident or on purpose it is the law and because of her actions another lost their life. So the justice system will decide whether she “pays” or not because the DA’s office decided based on evidence to bring the charges forward, not the sheriffs nor the CHP.
Big Lou says
Why is everyone putting Jada on a pedestal. There is a woman dead, and a husband grieving, and children and grandchildren who will never see nana. And Why? Because someone royally blew a stop sign. I feel for James Dwyer for I have been a victim of careless driver t boning me. I died and came back, but had I died, these are the kind of remarks that would have also been said about the drunk that plowed into me at 80 plus.
Hawk says
NOT GUILTY!!! THIS is nothing more than a terrible accident. The fact is that Ms Jackson did come to a complete stop at the stop sign. This alone shows intent to obey the law. The County of Los Angeles is the negligent party here. Why would the county not turn all of these high speed thorough-fares into 4-way stops so that all parties need to stop. It sounds to me like Ms. Jackson innocently thought that the other vehicle would also be coming to a stop. This is a professional teacher, gainfully employed, otherwise fully responsible for children in her classroom; I just don’t see her targeting an oncoming vehicle with any kind of malice or ill intent. And, I don’t care what the legal arm chair pundits opine, this is not a manslaughter case. This is nothing more than a simple accident. I pray that God inject his divine mercy upon this case and grant that the jury see it as I do. I’d love to serve on this jury and set her free!!
Laughing says
You posit that she might have innocently thought that the other vehicle would also come to a stop. That would show she was not paying attention at that intersection.
Her employment does not matter.
Her responsibilities outside of the job she was doing in that moment (driving) do not matter.
In manslaughter, her intent does not matter.
What matters are the decisions she made to pull into an intersection with traffic flowing that lead to a collision which killed and injured others.
Hawk says
You have misunderstandings. I am not talking about the letter of the law, nor even about the law; I’m talking about the law giver. Many don’t him. He wrote the law with his own finger on two stone tablets. Later, he wrote in the soil, again with his finger, as the accusers and supposed keepers of the law screamed for the law to be followed and for justice. However, because he was the lawgiver, and the triers of facts, he told them, ” Let you who is without sin cast the first stone”. One by one, they dropped their stones and walked away.
You see, mercy extends beyond justice. And, shame on all those screaming for justice; Measure for Measure they shall be judged. Are you listening D.A.?
Don't even go there! says
Um, Ms. Jackson is supposedly a highly educated individual who should know that that there are two-way stops, and there are four way stops. There is a difference. Talk about blaming the victim! Stop enabling a law-breaker! She did not deliberately set out to kill the person, hence the manslaughter charge, but whether she meant to or not, there is a person dead and another person seriously injured due to her negligence.
Hawk says
Oh you better believe I’m going there; silly rabbit, tricks are for kids. But first, no one is blaming the victim, nor enabling a law-breaker. You use faulty logic and fallacious arguments to your own disadvantage. Now listen up you blood thirsty sinner. Persuant to CA penal code 192(c)(2), even if found guilty, Ms. Jackson will most likely be sentenced to Summary Probation and a $10.00 fine.
I hear you screaming: “Give us Barabbas”.
Don't Even Go There says
Your logic is undeniable. I have been totally swayed by your argument. I’m a little confused, though. Who is Barabbas in this situation? The dead woman? Please clarify.
H says
She needs a good lawyer.
VXSGuy says
I have mixed feelings on this. I hear what every one is saying and if she is following her faith as much as everyone says then she will accept the consequences of her actions. I’m sure this isn’t the first time she has driven through this intersection so her inattentive driving or poor judgment caused the accident. Her position in life shouldn’t put her above the law. A jury of the same peers should decide. Verdict: Probation at best. This is my own belief.
CK says
The jury does not decide the punishment. They decide the verdict.
Ggm says
Good
Laughing says
What does her religious faith have to do with a bad driving decision?
Mistakes happen.
Witnesses, some involved in the incident gave their take. It was decided after reviewing all the evidence that a court date was called for. The jury will see the evidence, including her faith and status in the community, even though neither one has to do with the actual event that caused a death and major injuries.
(Said without humor, man did I pick a bad handle for some situations.)
Wizard says
I couldn’t agree more, I just can’t why religion has to be brought in literally everything.
BS says
I have to say it doesn’t matter what she makes or who she is. The facts clearly are what they are! So what if this driver was a convicted criminal? That does not change the F ACT she did what she did. I’m tired of everybody always thinking they are above the damn law just because of their name or job title. It is what it is! Chances are she’s drove that stop sign many times and knew damn well the cross traffic doesn’t stop. It’s not like she is some foreigner from another town who doesn’t know the area!!!
Love says
I happen to know this woman personally. She actually is a mother of 3 little girls under 8 and carrying. She is and always has been a true follower of Christ. You can’t sit with her at anytime and she not share with you a testimony of Gods good grace and mercy He has bestowed on her life, or how much love God desires to extend to YOU. Her reputation is of high regard. No criminal charges can ever change what has taken place but it will tragically affect her husband and young babies who depend on her daily. Myself, as an active member of the community and as a first responder to incidents such as this, we find that all parties become victims after being associated to tragic incidents where great losses have occurred. There are no winners in this incident. No reasonable thinking person would like to take any place in this accident, HOWEVER we are all just as capable of being in Jadas’ position. Would you want to suffer these charges after living a stain free life, having an excellent driving record, being witnessed to have stopped at the stop sign, and after dedicating your life to excellence and helping others. At this time all members of our community can ban together in support of all parties involved. Everyone is praying for the family who has suffered such loss and in support of Jada as we remember, no one knows their destiny or what their journey in life will be even when we work hard and plan step-by-step. After doing everything right, Criminal allegations should be saved for people who drive under the influence or with use of cell phones etc. Most cases such as this, criminal charges are never filed just as they werent on the day of the occurance.
Praying for family who suffered the loss of a loved one and in support of our dear Jada Jackson.
Mark says
Yes, this will effect her life and the life of the people who love her. If she’s convicted maybe God has plans for her mistakes. Maybe she can help other inmates find a relationship with God. Because somebody has a relationship with God does not make them above the laws. Somebody died as a result of her actions. You’re right there are no winners here. The max she’ll get is 364 days, which means she won’t get prison time, she’ll only do county time (you have to sentenced to a year and a day for prison time). If she gets the max, she’ll be out maybe half of that. I think she’ll give probation.
Jon dooeee says
I’m a friend of the woman who passed grandson. And let me tell you this woman was not the only “good person” “faith filled person” or “great person” involved in this accident! The woman who died was a wonderful person and has an outstanding family! Yes she stopped at the stop sign! But then was not paying attention hit the gas and pulled into the path of a car going 55mph! It does suck for everyone involved and I don’t believe there is any ill will towards her but I’m sure she is a great person but her actions that day took the life of a kind woman! One of her grandsons is a first responder himself in the city of Palmdale!
Rich L. says
I can only hope that Jackson get a jury who see’s what is apparent. This is just an unfortunate accident. I too am guilty of not realizing a intersection is not a four way stop. I think there are better things to use taxpayer money on than this.
Tim Scott says
Juries are bound to rule on the LAW, not make it up as they go along.
People who are complaining about this need to shift their view. IF you believe that a momentary lapse while driving a car, which appears to be what happened and you acknowledge has also happened to you (and I acknowledge has happened to me, and contend that anyone claiming it has never happened to them either never drives or is lying) shouldn’t be a crime THEN push to change the law. Don’t cry for the law to be selectively not enforced because “she’s a good person” or whatever. If it is BAD LAW, it needs to be removed from the books.
Mandy says
However this “bad law” often wobbles based on various individuals involved. What many fail to realize is, many incidents dont even get put up for crinimal charges. If you are rich enough, famous enough, or sometimes white enough, you dont make it to the hot seat. Its unfortunate the law didnt wobble for this mother who was kid enough to dedicate her life to the kids in this very community. She could never be loving enough, giving enough or God fearing enough for the law to wobble enough for her. Because yes the law is very transprent depending on the parities involved. Lets not ignore this fact.
Tim Scott says
That “wobble” is what makes it bad law. Justice ends where selective enforcement begins.
Many incidents don’t get put up for criminal charges, and I agree that unfortunately cops can’t be trusted in the matter…because we allow selective enforcement, and we create bad laws that can be used for selective enforcement. But the solution to the problem of selective enforcement is NOT “well, if we can get this good person into the group that doesn’t get the law enforced against them it will make it okay.”
If this vehicular manslaughter law should go unenforced because “she is a good person” then it should NOT be a law in the first place.
Shane Falco says
Another case of people bashing the cops when it’s this woman who killed somebody.
She drove a vehicle, she hit somebody with her vehicle and she killed them. That’s the textbook definition of vehicular manslaughter. Whether she didn’t see the other vehicle, or thought she could beat them through the intersection, or erroneously thought it was a 4-way stop, was distracted or was deep in prayer to God at the time, it doesn’t matter. She killed somebody and is only being charged with a misdemeanor.
This was an accident, clearly preventable and there are consequences that you acknowledge when you sign for the privilege of having a drivers license.
It also doesn’t matter if she’s a nice lady, loves Jesus or is the best administrator ever. She took a life because of her ignorance of the intersection and left the Dwyer family with a large permanent home without a mother/grandmother.
You can’t just shrug your shoulders and say, “oh well, just an accident”. That’s why we have vehicular manslaughter in the penal code.
Tim Scott says
But without the least doubt if it had been a Falco who had had this lapse in judgement there would be no charges filed, because the cops take care of their own.
realitycheck says
Gather ’round! Its time again for our weekly segment of “Education for Timmy Time!” This week’s lesson will focus on how charges are filed. First, a traffic trained officer or deputy will write a collision report. Specially trained investigators also respond to fatalities. Then, a traffic investigator will compile all docs related to the case and present them to the district attorney. The district attorney then makes the final decision whether charges will be filed, not cops. As Falco said, although this was an “accident” the people responsible have to be held accountable. This may not necessarily involve spending a long time in jail, but accountable. I’m sure if this was a cop or fireman, driving, Timmy would be screaming for life imprisonment. Class dismissed Timmy!
Shane Falco says
Well, Tim, in my family several have been in OIS situations where they have shot a perp. They are separated from their partner and interviewed for over 12 hours by separate agencies conducting and investigation and are treated as if they are guilty of breaking the law until they are cleared, and Tim, they have always been cleared.
For me, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve run code three in an engine, ladder or squad and had people on their cell phones, or people slamming a fast food burger down their gullet, or turned around talking to their kids…and they pull out in front of us nearly causing a catastrophic collision. Often they just blow a red light trying to beat us, don’t stop at a stop sign or even tail gate is to bypass traffic that is pulled over for us.
Sara says
Exactly. Mrs. Jackson never once mentioned her sister is a deputy who worked in Lancaster and she too is directly related to many law enforcement officers. If making charges in this accident was common practice if would have been done immediately at the scene of the crime.
The law is not bad law as others suggest. It was created to wobble or leave cops dicretion for this very situation and it used daily. Unfornately, due to mamy reasons, color of the law and spirit of the law is influenced by the cops life, experience and personal opinion. Sometimes it works for you, sometimes it doesnt. We do not know the details of the accident
We all take a risk of death when we enter a vehicle and I doubt that that wonderful mother and dear grandmother would want to see a that womans babies go without their mom … a price she could never repay be it monetarily or jail time … why should their be continue suffering. Its all very sad
Tim Scott says
“Created to wobble” and “leave cops with discretion” are both totally abhorrent. Cops are not SUPPOSED to be judges. If you craft laws intended to make them judges and think that is a good thing you can’t be surprised when the dumb thugs think that jury and executioner are parts of their job as well.
Laughing says
Officers give evidentiary testimony. What the radio call stated, what they saw upon arrival, what they measured at the scene, statements from witnesses. Invesitgators/detectives then take over to collect more evidence if there appears to be gross negligence or others causatory evidence that warrants it. It is the District Attorney’s office that makes the decision to file charges based on the evidence provided from sources and often researched once again.
I think car manufacturers need to pony up the $30 for built in dash cameras. They can add a whole $100 to the price. It would help either way in cases like this one.
Tim Scott says
No surprise there; one of the most sanctimonious cop worship events on network TV. I can only imagine how growing up in that would warp someone…until I encountered you, of course. Now I can see it first hand, as well as this media allows, of course. Are you this revolting in person, or do you tone it down?
Hawk says
If, I’m on that jury, I’m voting NOT GUILTY!
Laughing says
Well let us hope that if you are called for jury duty and they ask if you have heard about the case that you are HONEST and say yes and that you also believe she is absolutely guilt free before hearing testimony.
eyeswideshut says
Were you on O.J’s jury??
Hawk says
Objection!!! Vague; ambiguous; and irrelevant!!
Don't even go there! says
You can look at the dead woman’s family and say that this supposedly highly educated woman didn’t know what a two-way stop was? I guarantee you, if someone had T-boned this supposedly highly educated woman and killed her, they would be calling for blood.
TOM says
All she’s going to get is a few years of probation, and lose her license for a year if that, her job wont be jeopardized, shell live life as if this never happened other than the guilt she will feel. Her name will not be tarnished for the ones that expressed there worries for her. What she will fear is a civil lawsuit from the husband and family, there’s no running away from that, but the family wont see a dime after the insurance company pays her maximum, shell quit working, file bankruptcy, or change her taxes filing status. Justice for the one that passed will not happen.
valleygirl says
I understand Mrs. Jackson is a nice lady with a nice job, husband and baby. And I’m sure she no doubt feels deep remorse and sorrow for what happened. But the bottom line is she pulled out in front of two other driver’s who had the right of way, causing an accident that resulted in a woman’s death and that woman’s husband is still in the hospital 6 months later.
Sara says
However you do not know the details of the case. Two elderly drivers may have been suffering from many different aliments that may have not resulted in the loss of a life otherwise. You dont know the speed or location of impact of the car. No one car judge or fully consider the level of negligent. Many factors involved.
Tim Scott says
“She would be dead now either way” is not going to be a very effective defense, because no matter the ailments you cannot prove that the accident did not lead to the loss of life.
If she was just sitting at the stop sign and they swerved out and hit her then point of impact will show that she didn’t fail to yield right of way. Point of impact is not hard to determine though, and if she got hit outside the intersection I’d guess there would be no charges filed.
Speed is only an issue if they were coming on SO FAST that she could reasonably say “they were so far away when I started pulling out that I didn’t recognize they had the right of way.” Or even that she couldn’t see them coming. But again, speed is pretty easily determined from the crash, and if they had been going that absurdly fast I’d again guess there wouldn’t have been charges filed.
The problem that you are failing to consider is that the law does not require any “level” of negligence beyond “ordinary,” which is pretty much the first step up from “not negligent at all.” If she was not negligent at all, generally speaking, she would not have pulled out in front of an oncoming car, so there’s no defense there.
muiriath says
There is a legal theory know as the “eggshell skull” which is described as:The eggshell skull rule (or thin skull rule or you take your victim as you find him rule of the common law) is a well-established legal doctrine used in some tort law systems, with a similar doctrine applicable to criminal law. It means that frailty of the injured person is not a defense in a tort case” Meaning that the person could be on death’s door, their exact condition at the moment of the incident does not come into play. Or they could have had a bone disorder that cause easy fractures, it doesn’t matter.
Undercover says
Lets put it on the table 3 weeks before passing blunt force trauma . Have we thought about air bags do a lot of damage . And consider all the circumstances . We need to stop blaming the inniocent and take a good look at all aspects of all drivers involved .
Michelle Egberts says
It’s unfortunate that this accident cost a life. My sincere condolences to the family, friends and loved ones. Whatever the circumstances are of this tragedy, I hope Ms Jackson will become an advocate to her students of driver awareness. Like I’ve posted many times, it doesn’t matter who you are or what job title you have… we’re all one bad choice from having a criminal record. I can only imagine the mental anguish Ms. Jackson feels.
Tim Scott says
One bad choice, or even one brief lapse of attentiveness, as in this case.
Michelle Egberts says
@Tim Scott… when I was growing up we didn’t have cell phones and other distractions in the car. I remember driver’s education and going out for my first drive with my instructor and nearly being killed in front of Huntington Beach Police station at the fault of an HBPD officer. People need to be aware of their surroundings.
Tim Scott says
When I was in driver’s ed it was specifically stressed to always be sure whether you were at a four way stop or a two way stop out on the rural roads because it was a known problem in the Antelope Valley. That was FORTY years ago. Some things NEVER change, cell phones or no cell phones.
Nicki Martin says
I know this wonderful woman and accidents happen. Wow this isn’t right! Trying to ruin her reputation at the same time. Shame on them! I was hurt in an accident in September as well but it was an accident! Come on people, get it together! It is a shame the woman lost her life but does this loving mother, wife and friend pay this high of a price? I don’t think so.
Tim Scott says
I don’t see anyone “trying to ruin her reputation.” Accidents happen, and they have consequences. This is one of them.
top Dog says
Exacting revenge on this person for an accident is completely wrong. She will have to face the financial burden of paying for this accident, but to ruin her professional reputation should not be a consequence. And to add criminal charges on top of that is just vengeful.
Shane Falco says
She killed somebody by being negligent while driving.
If as a paramedic I push the wrong meds or the wrong dosage of medication on a patient, and it kills them, it doesn’t matter what church I go to, or how great I am as a firefighter, if I kill somebody accidentally, I’m going to get persecuted.
Luckily for her it’s a misdemeanor, but still, somebody died as a result of her actions.
Nacho Momma says
Stop acting like you were somehow on their level, being able to refer to them by their nicknames. If you really were on the fire crew as you claim, I’m sure you were just another convicted felon in their minds! Go jack some more money from another old man, would ya Egberts?
Tim Scott says
Shane, if you accidentally killed someone you would no doubt deny and Nacho Mama would swear to it. The blue brotherhood wouldn’t let you get persecuted.
Shane Falco says
I knew Arnie and Ozzie for many years, long before and after you were simply an inmate, so it’s almost comical that you glom on to that because you knew somebody I’ve known as if you an I have anything in common.
Perhaps while I’m out helping the victims of negligent drivers, you can help the drivers get expungements with some kind of workshop…or something.
Michelle Egberts says
@Nacho Momma… I fought the fires with Sup 16/Q. Just because we are inmates we are equal to them.
Michelle Egberts says
@Shane…you may have known Sup 16/Q but I worked the lines with them. My best memory of them was when they tipped me over in the porta-pottie in base camp. By the way, they gave their lives for their inmate crews and Corrections Officers.
John says
Tim Scott knows everything.
See! says
Most of the time it seems that this statement is true!
Tim Scott says
LOL.
Carly says
I would bet my last dollar that Beverly Dwyer, may she rest in peace, was also a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, who will be sorely missed by those who love and ache for her. I really don’t think it’s fair that we allow our biases for Ms. Jackson to cloud our judgement on the issues of the case. The word “accident” does not mean that the operator of a 4K-5K lb vehicle goes home scot-free after a life has been lost. But that does not mean that Ms. Jackson’s conduct was intentional either. This is a tragic and heartbreaking situation and neither side will come through it whole.
BS says
I agree!
Kimmie Wright says
This women is Gods child she would never hurt anyone . I know God saw everything and I believe there’s more to this story because another vehicle was involved . The Devil is a Liar and the Blood will Prevail . I will stand right along side my sister I know she is innocent .
Amen
sickofit says
So are you inferring that the woman who died, and her husband still in the hospital…are not God’s children? Who are you to judge? How un-Christian of you.
That's right! says
So…..are you saying that the woman didn’t really die because this woman would never hurt anyone and she’s a child of God? Obviously she did hurt someone. I just hope she owns responsibility for her sinful behavior instead of hiding behind the “blood of Jesus.” She has the blood of Ms. Dwyer to answer for. A true believer takes responsibility for their actions, even those that are unintentional.
Maxwell says
yoooo she suspended me the other day r ! cause I had that dank kush on deck (btw 15 a gram hit up boy up)
Devin says
Savage lol
Undercover says
You should have been sent to jail young one , you were Blessed she had mercy for you . If I was you I would be thanking God for you
Retired CDC Officer
mm says
I have no conection to this woman at all. But we all make mistakes. It was an accident . She did not intend to hurt someone . She her self will nevet get over this. Her life is forever changed. I know an innocent woman lost her life but this lady will be serving a life sentence in her own head. Facts are facts and laws are laws but people need to have compassion about the survivor. Stop being mean and hurtful.
Carly says
Agreed. Well said.
Genine says
She killed a close friend’s mother and his father is going to be passing anytime from the injuries caused by her negligence. She is far from innocent!!
Rakeem Rose says
…….. She’s HOT! And very attractive
That’s the most i could take out of this story.
P101 says
So when does that girl that posted on Facebook that she was famous after she killed killed two men last month get charged then??? I’m so pissed she hasn’t been arrested for her actions yet and even more scary is that she is out and among us.
Theresa says
Unfortunately, it is not a crime to be an a**hole. If it was, we would have an overcrowding problem in our prisons for sure!
Tim Scott says
While driving a vehicle, you committed a misdemeanor, infraction or otherwise lawful act in an unlawful manner…failure to yield to oncoming traffic and pulling away from a stop sign qualifies. For the collision to occur in the intersection that pretty much had to have happened.
The misdemeanor, infraction or otherwise lawful act was dangerous to human life under the circumstances of its commission…I’ve always thought this requirement is silly. Someone DIED. It seems self evident that the action was dangerous to human life.
You committed the misdemeanor, infraction or otherwise lawful act with ordinary negligence…not gross negligence. Not malice. Just ordinary negligence. Not seeing a car coming is ordinary negligence. Not realizing that the stop was not a four way stop is ordinary negligence. Unless there is some extraordinary circumstance explaining how the oncoming car wasn’t seen this is a hard qualifier to deny.
The misdemeanor, infraction or otherwise lawful act caused the death of another person…that’s clearly a given.
So, I don’t see any way this charge gets beaten. All four requirements seem like sure things. Where is this “railroading”?
Lae says
I pretty much said the same thing on the Facebook article, but I was accused of being “bitter” and being “judge, jury and executioner.” Her actions (or lack thereof), however accidental they were, caused someone’s death. It’s sad, but there’s no railroading here.
bob says
it seems that most of the avtimes.com comments are driven purely by emotion. No one can seem to ever step back and see the people depicted in these articles and their actions as they are.. on a mater of the law level. and I don’t even need to comment on law enforcement in this valley… *sigh*
B.Smith says
Well if Jeff says so it must be true since the his world has gone mad and everyone is wonderful.
LHS Student says
He did not say everyone is wonderful. He implied that this woman imparticular is! And if you knew her youd say the exact same thing. She is a very smart and talented woman who worked her way to success. She has a family! A child that is only 1 year old! What if this was your friend or wife or daughter? Have some respect for his opinion.
G says
The victims of this also have children and grandchildren that lost Mrs Dqyer due to her irresponsible actions!
Tim Scott says
Ever been at a two way stop and thought it was a four way stop? Ever made any kind of mistake while driving?
Here’s a clue…everyone has. Most times it passes with nothing more than a brief moment of embarrassment that no one else even notices. Before you start raving about other people’s “irresponsible actions” you might want to consider whether your own mistakes were just as bad as theirs, but you got lucky.
Jeff Briggs says
This world has gone topsy turvy and this is a wonderful young lady who is being railroaded!
Katrina says
Mr. Briggs I back you 100%. Any one who knows Jada knows she is innocent. She couldn’t hurt anyone intentionally. I for one will be praying very hard for her and her family as well as the family that loss a loved one.
Tim Scott says
Vehicular manslaughter does not have any components related to intent. I have no doubt that she didn’t intentionally hurt anyone. It is unfortunate that we as a nation are so committed to “the rule of law” that we have to define every accident as some sort of crime…but we are.
Amy .M. says
@Jeff Briggs,well said sir.This was an accident for all involved. It’s really a sad situation, and I’m sure it truly was an accident! Unfortunately the Michael D. Antonivitch court house is the worst to be tried for any crime! They are proud of they’re conviction rate.I hope someone starts a “Gofundme” page for her to help with the best lawyer she can get.I will 100% help anyway I can.God bless both families involved.