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Woman Charged In Crash That Killed Motorcyclist Marine
November 14, 2012
An Escambia County woman was arrested Tuesday in connection with a September traffic crash that caused the death of a local Marine.
Matthew Walter Vaughn, age 27 of Pensacola, died from injuries he received when he was struck on Mobile Highway near Wabash Avenue about 3:30 p.m. on September 11.
The Florida Highway Patrol said 54-year old Mary Ellen Smith of Pensacola was traveling south in the southbound turn lane on Mobile Highway near Walmart when she turned her 1992 Chevrolet S10 pickup into the path of Vaughn’s northbound motorcycle. Vaughn tried to avoid the collision but slid into the side of the pickup and was ejected.
Smith was booked into the Escambia County Jail on a felony charge of operating a motor vehicle in the State of Florida without a driver’s license involving a death. She was also cited for violation of right of way left turn with approaching traffic, according to the FHP. She was released from jail on a $15,000 bond.
Smith and her five-year old passenger were not injured in the traffic crash.
Comments
12 Responses to “Woman Charged In Crash That Killed Motorcyclist Marine”
GIT R DONE
I honestly think this woman she be locked up cuz she took the life of someone by her careless and negligent mistake when she wasnt even suppose to be driving. Now someone loss a family member and a lovedone. Not only that, he was a Marine! My heart and prayers goes out to his family!
I dont understand why folks dont obey the law. Its ashame they would rather be careless and end up taking lives of others and children bevause of their careless mistakes. My mom was killed in October by someone that was careless and wasnt psying attention to their driving. Its so sad! If people would just obey the law and pay attention to the road while driving then possible accidents would decrease!
She was in a hurry to get to Walmart. It happened at the intersection of Mobile Highway and Wabash Ave. I see people everyday try to beat the oncoming traffic, especially at that intersection. What a shame to have put so many lives in danger. She was selfish, irresponsible, and negligent. Now it’s time for her to take responsibility for her actions.. May justice be served.
No drivers license shows her total disregard for obeying the law in the first place, now imagine how many of NE.com’s readers are out there driving with no license, no insurance, driving under the influence, texting while driving…whatever, the bottom line is people are going to do what they want regardless of any law that is in place…her selfish actions have taken the life of a Marine…someone who took an oath to protect the freedoms of all Americans, even the lawbreakers…
Pursuant to FL statute 322.34:
(6)Any person who operates a motor vehicle:
(a)Without having a driver’s license as required under s. 322.03; or
(b)While his or her driver’s license or driving privilege is canceled, suspended, or revoked pursuant to s. 316.655, s. 322.26(8), s. 322.27(2), or s. 322.28(2) or (4),
and who by careless or negligent operation of the motor vehicle causes the death of or serious bodily injury to another human being is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083, 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
s, 318.17 states:
(1) Except as provided in ss. 318.17 and 320.07(3)(c), any person cited for a violation of chapter 316, s. 320.0605, s. 320.07(3)(a) or (b), s. 322.065, s. 322.15(1), s. 322.16(2) or (3), s. 322.161(5), s. 322.19, or s. 1006.66(3) is charged with a noncriminal infraction and must be cited for such an infraction and cited to appear before an official. If another person dies as a result of the noncriminal infraction, the person cited may be required to perform 120 community service hours under s. 316.027(4), in addition to any other penalties.
and how about endangering a child!!! she had a 5yr old passenger with her!!!!
She will have to live with this for the rest of her life.
Let’s see, killed a marine operating a vehicle which she had no license for. Gets a $15,000 bond which means she is out if she can come up with $1500.00!!!
I say the max she gets is PROBATION. Any takers?
only 15,000 dollar bond for killing someone, whats this world coming too. shame on her , I hope she gets life, one life for another, its only fair I dont care who she is , or her family is , he had a family too .
Does her shirt say Homeland Security? How tragically ironic…
break the law, go to jail. kill a person while breaking the law, go to jail for even longer!
this woman had no business driving if she did not have a license. I hope the judge considers the fact that if she did not break the law that marine would still be alive.