A'Jena K.B. Wynn-Howard of Milwaukee is facing one count of first-degree reckless homicide and two counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety following a fatal crash on Saturday last week. The incident resulted in the death of 55-year-old Tonya Missouri-Smith and injuries to two others.
WISN reported that according to the Milwaukee Police Department’s Crash Investigation Unit, Wynn-Howard was driving at 102 mph in a 35 mph zone at the time of the crash. The data was obtained from the vehicle's airbag control module.
A criminal complaint filed in Milwaukee County Circuit Court states that three vehicles were involved: a 2021 Jeep Wrangler, a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse, and a 2015 Jeep Patriot. Wynn-Howard is accused of driving the Jeep Wrangler, which was found over 400 feet from the other vehicles with significant front-end damage. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Missouri-Smith’s vehicle was struck from behind and then collided with a parked Jeep Patriot.
Missouri-Smith was pronounced dead at the scene from multiple blunt force injuries, according to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office. Her son, who was also in the vehicle, reported pain in both hips and told investigators they were on their way to close a family business at the time of the crash, as reported by TMJ4.
The driver of the parked Jeep Patriot stated she was sitting outside her mother’s home when the collision occurred. She sustained a fractured vertebra and brain bleeding that required hospitalization.
Body camera footage reviewed by officers captured Wynn-Howard admitting to being the driver and asking, "Did I kill anybody?" according to WISN.
If convicted, Wynn-Howard faces up to 60 years in prison for the reckless homicide charge. Each count of recklessly endangering safety carries a maximum penalty of 12 years and six months in prison and a $25,000 fine. Authorities have indicated that additional charges may be filed pending toxicology results.
