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Cantonment Man Gets Maximum Sentence For Hit And Run That Killed One Juvenile, Injured Another
November 10, 2021
A Cantonment man has received the maximum sentence of 45 years for hitting two juveniles with his SUV last year on Quintette Road, killing one of them, before fleeing the scene.
Robert William Etheridge II, 59, received 30 years on one count of leaving the scene of a crash involving a death and 15 years for leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury. The sentences will be served consecutively.
About 8 p.m. on April 6, 2020, 12-year old Hailey Locke and 13-year old Rylee Simmons, both students at Ransom Middle School, were on Quintette Road approaching Carrington Lake Boulevard when they were struck by a Ford Escape driven by Etheridge. Troopers said he fled the scene and called the FHP about 24 minutes later to say he thought he had hit a deer.
The windshield was cracked in the crash, but not enough to obscure the driver’s view, according to an arrest report. The area in which the collision occurred was lit with multiple overhead lights, the weather was clear and there was a full moon, FHP said.
When law enforcement responded to his home, Etheridge showed signs of intoxication. The jury determined by their verdict that Etheridge knew, or should have known, that he had collided with people and left the scene of the crash.
Rylee was removed from a life support a little over a week later after his organs were donated.
Pictured top: Rylee Simmons, 13, and Hailey Locke. Photo provided by family for NorthEscambia.com. Pictured below: The crash scene on April 6, 2020. NorthEscambia.com photos.
Comments
8 Responses to “Cantonment Man Gets Maximum Sentence For Hit And Run That Killed One Juvenile, Injured Another”
I have a friend that knew the victim. He deserved the maximum sentence, as my friend says. Justice has been served.
@Mnon…your statements are true. We can try and try to help someone but it’s up to them to want to change. I pray for the family who lost their Son and for the young lady who was injured…wow, those poor kiddos. The way I am I pray for this fella as well. I have, years ago, been guilty of doing just what he did before that horrible crash. I thank OUR GOD daily for this never happening to me back then. There’s no sense in driving in an intoxicated way because this right here could have me or others that do/did drive impaired.
He did get 45 years 30 + 15.. as he should of.
Sorry I said 45 years I mean to say 30 either way it’s a life time
This should be a lesson to everyone who drinks and drives!!!! And every time you do it ya think I won’t get stopped ya never thought you would kill somebody!!!! Now you got 45 years to think about why you didn’t listen to your family and friends !!!!!!
I agree with mnon, these things leave victims on both sides, addiction is an awful disease.
You will never see freedom again and you got exactly what you deserve !!!!
Such a sad story and ending for everyone. My heart breaks for the children and the little girl that must live with this. Also for Bob, I’ve known Bob 30 years, he truly is a nice guy, he’d do anything for you. Some just can’t control their problems and you have this happen… I told Bob for months and months, Bob quit driving these back roads so fast, quit drinking and driving… a few times I forced him to stay at my house to sleep it off. I told him Bob you are going to kill yourself or someone else.. Nah man, I drive good etc. Now this… It is just sad. It is hard when you see a friend slowly self destruct and there’s nothing you can say or do to reach them… and it has a tragic outcome. This will also bug me for life too. So it not only affected those involved the ripples reach out far.