Is Caitlyn Jenner going to jail?
Caitlyn Jenner could be facing a vehicular manslaughter charge after sheriff’s investigators found her driving unsafely when she caused a chain-reaction crash that killed a woman in February, officials said.
According to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman Nicole Nishida, investigators are determined that Jenner was driving at a speed “unsafe for the prevailing road conditions”. Jenner was hauling an off-road vehicle on a trailer behind her Cadillac Escalade on February 7th when she steered to avoid cars slowing for a traffic light in front of her on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.
Unable to stop in time, Jenner’s SUV rear-ended two cars, pushing a Lexus into oncoming traffic and also hitting a Toyota Prius. The Lexus driver, 69-year-old Kim Howe, was killed when her car was hit head-on by a Hummer.
According to Daniel W. Vomhof, an accident reconstructionist, the additional weight from towing a loaded trailer makes it more difficult to stop a vehicle quickly.
“Sheriff’s officials do not make official recommendations on charges. However, the investigation found enough evidence to support a vehicular manslaughter count,” Nishida said.
If convicted, Jenner could face up to one year in county jail.
Investigators will present their findings to the district attorney by the end of August and that office will determine what, if any, charges Jenner will face.
Jenner’s attorney Blair Berk declined comment.
Because Jenner has no prior record, it’s unlikely she would face any jail time if convicted, said Vomhof, who’s testified in 3,500 cases. He said, she will more likely face a fine or probation − or an even lesser charge such as driving too fast for conditions. He also said that Jenner’s experience towing a loaded trailer may come into play in determining what is ultimately charges, as well as how detailed the police investigation was in recording speeds and distances at the accident scene.
The fatal accident happened months before Caitlyn Jenner’s transition. Jenner formerly known as Bruce Jenner, the 1976 Olympic decathlon champion and the Kardashian‘s stepfather.
Howe’s stepchildren have filed suit against Jenner claiming they’ve suffered enormous damages.
The lawsuit by Dana Redmond and William Howe does not state how much they are seeking. They claim Jenner was negligent when she collided with their stepmother’s car, causing them and other relatives “great losses.” Another woman, Jessica Steindorff, who was driving the Prius, also filed suit seeking unspecified damages.
Jenner’s transition has played out in public over the past several months. She has also vowed to use her celebrity platform to urge acceptance for others who are transgender.
via Billboard
