Shocking video shows a meth-addled Florida driver’s stunned reaction as she is charged with a horrific hit-and-run that left an 8-year-old boy dead and a 10-year-old severely injured while they were crossing the road.
Victoria Johnson, 30, went through open-mouthed disbelief, derisive laughter, angry outbursts, and finally tears, all in the space of under two minutes, during her first court appearance via video conference Friday.
The Winter Haven, Fl. woman faces five charges related to a hit-and-run crash Wednesday at around 8:30 p.m. outside a church that killed an 8-year-old boy and left another 10-year-old fighting for his life.
Johnson interrupted the judge as he read out the bonds for her various charges, adding up to $100,000 in total.
“I wasn’t even in the car,” she said to someone off camera, sparking a firm rebuke not to speak about the case.
The young victims—who have not been identified and were not related—had been at Faith Baptist Church for the pastor’s 50th birthday celebration following the Wednesday evening service, and were going across the street to get cupcakes and cakes when they were struck, a congregant told FOX 13.
The 8-year-old died from his injuries, while the 10-year-old suffered a compound skull fracture, a broken femur, and a broken arm.
He was in a critical but stable condition at Arnold Palmer Hospital as of Friday.
Johnson originally called police on Thursday to report her dark blue 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe had been stolen, claiming that she had loaned it to someone on Wednesday night but they hadn’t returned it.
During a preliminary search for the vehicle, damage, missing parts, and potential biological matter were found, according to detectives.
Johnson eventually changed her story and admitted to driving the vehicle on Wednesday night, despite knowing that her license had been suspended.
She told deputies she was a regular methamphetamine user and had taken the drug before getting behind the wheel.
Johnson said she thought she might have hit someone but didn’t remember, according to an affidavit seen by FOX 13.
She then met codefendant Charles Cory Stewart, 34, at a Circle K grocery store, and the two went to a house and used meth again before going fishing, according to the affidavit.
Johnson told deputies she gave Stewart the SUV to “get rid of it,” and thought he had dumped it at the bottom of a lake, according to the affidavit.
While deputies were taking Johnson to a nearby substation to be interviewed, the blue Hyundai was spotted being driven by Stewart, according to the affidavit.
Deputies followed the vehicle back to a home in Lake Wales, where Stewart and his passenger, Mya Bass, 23, ran inside and refused to come out.
Johnson was arrested Thursday on multiple charges, including leaving the scene of a crash involving death, leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury, tampering with evidence, filing a false police report, and driving with a suspended or revoked license.
Stewart and Bass were eventually taken into custody and charged with resisting arrest.
The pair also made their first court appearances on Friday, where bond was set for both of them.
A spokesperson for Polk County schools confirmed that the child who died was a student at Boswell Elementary.
“This is a terribly sad day for Boswell Elementary and our community. The child and his parents are beloved members of the Boswell family,” the spokesperson said.
“He had many close friends at school and was well-liked by all of the teachers and staff. He was known for his incredible spirit and smile, as well as his willingness to help others. We are heartbroken by this loss, and praying for all who knew and loved this little boy,” the statement continued.
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