A Jacksonville Beach man has been sent to prison for more than a decade after admitting he caused a deadly motorcycle crash that killed 22-year-old Tara Shaw. He pleaded guilty Thursday to DUI manslaughter in last year’s wreck and was sentenced to 11 years in state prison, followed by two years of probation. He must also complete court-ordered DUI school.
According to News4JAX, the defendant, Robin McAlarney, a former Columbia County, Georgia, resident, entered the guilty plea before receiving the 11-year term. The outlet reports that his driver’s license has been revoked for life and reiterates that he is required to attend DUI school as part of the sentence.
How the Crash Unfolded
The crash happened on May 17, 2025, near Third Street South and St. Augustine Boulevard. Officials say McAlarney was riding a motorcycle with Shaw on the back when they slammed into the rear of a Camaro. As reported by Action News Jax, authorities say McAlarney was going about 90 mph, splitting lanes and swerving to avoid a turning car just before the impact that killed Shaw.
Arrest and Court Timeline
Jacksonville Beach police obtained an arrest warrant in October 2025, and it took months to track McAlarney down. Court records show he was later located in Philadelphia. According to News4JAX, U.S. Marshals took him into custody there, and he was returned to Florida to face the DUI manslaughter charge before entering his guilty plea this week.
Legal Note
Under Florida law, DUI manslaughter comes with a mandatory minimum prison term and can bring as much as 15 years behind bars in a single case. The statute also allows for permanent revocation of driving privileges in fatal crashes. The penalties and program requirements for DUI offenders are detailed in the Florida Statutes.
Remembering Tara Shaw
Friends and family have described Shaw as a 22-year-old Navy veteran with ties to Grovetown, Georgia, and have been vocal in calling for accountability since the Jacksonville Beach crash. Local reporting by The Augusta Press and other outlets has detailed her background and her family’s reaction in the aftermath of the fatal collision.
