Montgomery County authorities have apprehended 27-year-old Jovannie T. McCarthy in connection with a fatal car collision that claimed the life of a Washington, D.C. woman. The crash, which transpired on May 8, 2024, took place on Briggs Chaney Road, as reported by the Montgomery County Department of Police – Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU).
Details released by the department reveal that McCarthy was driving a blue 2006 Honda Accord, which, while exiting westbound MD 200, crossed into oncoming traffic and directly struck a 2023 Volkswagen traveling eastbound. Following the impact, an adult female passenger in the Volkswagen was rushed to a hospital, only to later tragically die from her injuries. The victim has been identified according to the Montgomery County press release as 35-year-old Kiara Cheeks.
On the heels of the incident, McCarthy faced an arrest warrant and on December 1, authorities took her into custody. She has been charged with criminally negligent manslaughter by vehicle. Officials have reported that the additional charges which McCarthy might face are not included in the initial warrant, as those are considered underlying offenses.
As of the latest updates, McCarthy has been taken to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit. She is currently being held without bond pending a 1 p.m. bond review scheduled for today. For more information on this developing story, please refer to updates from local officials and the Montgomery County Department of Police press releases.
