Authorities say a late-night drive on U.S. 301 turned deadly in January and has now landed a Brandon woman behind bars. The 22-year-old driver, identified as Elizabeth Martin, was arrested yesterday in connection with a three-vehicle crash just north of Jackson Road on Jan. 24 that killed a passenger, sent three drivers to area hospitals and left an SUV in flames. Martin now faces a slate of DUI-related charges, including vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter.
What Troopers Say
According to Tampa Bay 28, the Florida Highway Patrol said the crash happened shortly after midnight on Jan. 24 when a Chevrolet Camaro driven by Martin crossed the center line on U.S. 301 and struck a northbound GMC Terrain nearly head-on. A Toyota Camry then collided with the Camaro after the initial impact, and the Terrain caught fire.
Rescue and Casualties
Hillsborough County deputies were able to pull the Terrain's driver to safety, but the passenger, the driver's 61-year-old wife, could not be removed and died at the scene, Patch reported. All three drivers were taken to local hospitals with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Charges and Custody
Martin was taken into custody around 1 p.m. Tuesday and transported to the Hillsborough County Jail. She faces charges that include vehicular homicide, DUI manslaughter, DUI serious bodily injury, DUI bodily injury, DUI property damage, DUI, careless driving and providing false information to law enforcement, according to Tampa Bay 28.
What the Charges Mean
Under Florida law, a death caused by impaired driving is charged as DUI manslaughter, a second-degree felony, and it can be elevated to a first-degree felony with harsher penalties if the driver knew a crash occurred and failed to render aid, including a mandatory minimum prison term, the Florida Senate notes. Sentencing ranges and any additional enhancements depend on the circumstances and the defendant's prior criminal record.
Witnesses and Next Steps
Troopers have asked anyone who witnessed the crash to call *FHP (*347), Patch reported. The Florida Highway Patrol said investigators are still working to determine what caused the Camaro to cross the center line in the first place.
