Georgia star Jalen Carter is accused in car crash which killed two
The Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who is widely considered to be one of the best prospects in next month’s Draft pick, has been charged with reckless driving and speeding in connection with the incident that claimed the lives of offensive lineman Devin Willock and a recruiting staff member.
The Associated Press acquired an arrest warrant filed by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department on Wednesday that accuses Carter of racing another vehicle, a 2021 Ford Expedition driven by 24-year-old recruitment employee Chandler LeCroy, on Jan. 15.
According to Lt. Shaun Barnett of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, Carter will deal with the arrest warrant when he returns to Athens from Indianapolis, where he was scheduled to attend the NFL scouting combine on Wednesday.
“It is my understanding that Mr. Carter is making arrangements to turn himself in,” Barnett wrote in an email to the Associated Press.
Carter, who was one of six players who skipped media interviews at the combine on Wednesday, said in a tweet that he is confident in being “fully exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing.”
“This morning I received a telephone call from the Athens, Georgia, police department informing me that two misdemeanor warrants have been issued against me for reckless driving and racing,” Carter stated. “Numerous media reports also have circulated this morning containing inaccurate information concerning the tragic events of January 15, 2023. It is my intention to return to Athens to answer the misdemeanor charges against me and to make certain that the complete and accurate truth is presented. There is no question in my mind that when all of the facts are known that I will be fully exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing.”
LeCroy and Willock were killed in the incident that happened just hours after the Bulldogs’ parade and celebration commemorating their second consecutive national title.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart voiced his dismay at the allegations.
“The charges announced today are deeply concerning, especially as we are still struggling to cope with the devastating loss of two beloved members of our community,” added Smart.
As we are helping these families and figuring out what we can learn from this terrible incident, we will continue to work closely with the authorities.
Athens police said they uncovered evidence that LeCroy and Carter were driving “in a manner consistent with racing” after they left downtown around 2:30 in the morning.
The request claims that the cars were observed weaving between lanes, using the centre turn lane, driving in opposing lanes, passing other vehicles, and travelling at high speeds “in an apparent attempt to outdistance each other.”
The expedition driven by LeCroy was doing roughly 104 mph (167 kph) before it crashed, according to the police. According to the warrant, LeCroy had a BAC of.197 at the time of the collision. In Georgia,.08 is the limit set by law.
At the accident site, Willock, age 20, was pronounced dead. LeCroy was taken to the hospital, but she later passed away from her wounds there.
When discussing Willock on Wednesday at the scouting combine, Georgia linebacker Nolan Smith began to tear up.
“This is the first time I’m talking about it,” Smith said. “That’s my guy. That’s one person that never did anything wrong. I get sensitive talking about it just because I love him. He never did anything wrong in his three years.”
Warren McClendon, an offensive lineman who just declared his intention to enter the NFL draught, was injured slightly in a car accident. Victoria Bowles, a member of the Georgia football crew, had more severe injuries and was taken to the hospital.