Cori Clingman Indicted in Fatal Car Crash That Claimed Three Lives

On July 6, 2024, a devastating car crash on Route 4 in Prince George’s County, Maryland, claimed the lives of three promising young men, all of whom were drafted by the Minnesota Vikings. The victims, Kyrie Jackson, Anthony Litton Jr., and Isaiah Hazel, were friends, classmates, and teammates at Wise High School. Their loss has deeply impacted their families, their school, and the wider community.

Following a comprehensive investigation by the Maryland State Police, a grand jury has returned a 13-count indictment against Cori Clingman for her role in the tragic collision. The charges include grossly negligent and criminally negligent vehicular manslaughter, as well as vehicular manslaughter while driving under the influence and impaired by alcohol. Clingman was arrested without incident and is currently being held pending a bond review.

Details of the Incident

According to investigators, at least one vehicle involved in the crash was traveling at an extremely high rate of speed. Evidence suggests that contact occurred between Cori Clingman’s vehicle and the victims’ car, leading to the fatal crash. Toxicology reports indicated that Clingman was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision, which formed the basis of several charges against her.

Community Impact

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local community. Kyrie Jackson, Anthony Litton Jr., and Isaiah Hazel were not only exceptional athletes but also respected students and individuals who had bright futures ahead of them. Their accomplishments on the field were matched by their contributions to their school, families, and church communities.

A vigil held at Wise High School brought together grieving families, friends, and community members to honor their memories. Attendees shared heartfelt stories that highlighted the victims’ character, kindness, and potential. The loss of these young men has left an indelible mark on the community, amplifying the call for justice and accountability.

Legal Proceedings

Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office has stated that the charges reflect the severity of the incident and the need for accountability. If convicted, Cori Clingman could face up to 30 years in prison, with a maximum penalty of 10 years for each victim. Maryland’s vehicular manslaughter laws are among the most lenient in the nation, prompting discussions about potential legislative changes to increase penalties for such crimes.

Efforts to strengthen the state’s motor vehicle manslaughter laws have been ongoing. Last year, a bill aimed at increasing penalties for grossly negligent vehicular manslaughter was introduced but failed to pass. Advocates hope that cases like this will reignite conversations in Annapolis about the need for stricter measures.

Investigation and Next Steps

The Maryland State Police conducted a thorough investigation, which included analyzing evidence from the crash scene, reviewing toxicology reports, and reconstructing the events leading up to the collision. This meticulous process ensured that all details were carefully considered before presenting the case to the grand jury.

The State’s Attorney’s Office has emphasized the importance of ensuring a fair trial. Clingman, like any defendant, is presumed innocent until proven guilty. While the office is committed to seeking justice for the victims and their families, they are also preparing for a rigorous legal process.

Broader Lessons

This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired and reckless driving. The loss of three young lives underscores the importance of making responsible decisions behind the wheel to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. As the community mourns, there is hope that this tragedy will lead to greater awareness and accountability.

As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on honoring the memories of Kyrie Jackson, Anthony Litton Jr., and Isaiah Hazel while pursuing justice on behalf of their families and the community. The impact of this tragedy will continue to be felt, but it also serves as a call to action to prevent similar incidents in the future.