A 24-year-old drag racer, Trinity Divine Clark, has been sentenced to twelve years in prison for her role in a tragic accident that claimed the life of a grandfather and left his two grandchildren seriously injured. The sentencing took place following Clark’s conviction on charges of Vehicular Homicide, Aggravated Assault, and Drag Racing, as announced by District Attorney Charme Allen.
During the three-day trial in August, the prosecution led by Deputy District Attorney Leland Price and Assistant District Attorney Joe Welker presented evidence that Clark was engaged in a high-speed drag race with co-defendant Tra’shawn Glass down Knoxville's Magnolia Avenue. The accident occurred on January 17, 2023, when Clark's vehicle collided with the victim's car as it was making a turn. Judge Scott Green handed down the sentence for Clark, ordering her to serve time in the Tennessee Department of Correction, according to the District Attorney’s office.
The crash was investigated by Knoxville Police Department Officer Sam Young, a crash reconstructionist, who utilized surveillance footage and GoPro video from the scene. Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper John Capps testified that data from Clark’s vehicle indicated she was going at speeds of 109 miles per hour just before the collision. "I have no doubt that the two child victims in this case are alive today because of the courageous citizens who jumped into action to render aid immediately after this horrendous wreck," DA Allen stated in the official press release.
Vehicular Homicide by Drag Racing is classified as a Class C felony, with penalties ranging from three to six years, while Reckless Aggravated Assault is a Class D felony, punishable by two to four years. Tra'shawn Glass, Clark's co-defendant, had previously pled guilty to Vehicular Homicide and two counts of Reckless Aggravated Assault, receiving an identical twelve-year sentence. Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator Kim Strike and Legal Secretary Connie Watts were also mentioned for their assistance in the prosecution. For further inquiries, Sean McDermott of the DA's office could be contacted, the office invites interested individuals to visit their website or follow their activities on social platforms.
