PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. (7News) — A 23-year-old woman was arrested and charged Thursday in connection to the crash that killed three friends in Maryland last year, including an NFL draft pick, according to Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy.
On July 6, 2024, a three-car crash killed Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson, 24, Isaiah Hazel, 23, and Anthony Lytton, Jr., 24. The three had played football together at Wise High School. Lytton was a cornerback for Penn State who also played for Florida State. Hazel played for the University of Maryland.
“Each of their lives was special, important, and a tragic loss for their families and our community,” Braveboy said. “These were three young men who had gotten it right in life, who had amazing, bright futures ahead of them. But on July 6th, they were taken away from all of us.”
During a press conference Thursday, Braveboy announced the arrest of Cori Clingman, 23, from Upper Marlboro, who officials said was driving under the influence of alcohol when the crash occurred. Braveboy said Clingman went to the same high school as the boys and had known them for a long time.
Sources told 7News Clingman was in one car, and the three victims were in another car, but were driving together while street racing in the moments before the crash.
“Vehicles, at least one or more, were traveling at a very high rate of speed, and that really was a huge factor in what happened that night,” Braveboy said. “We believe there was contact made between Ms. Clingman’s vehicle and the victim’s vehicle.”
Clingman now faces the following charges:
Negligent Vehicular ManslaughterNegligent Vehicular ManslaughterNegligent Vehicular ManslaughterCriminally Negligent Vehicular ManslaughterCriminally Negligent Vehicular ManslaughterCriminally Negligent Vehicular ManslaughterNegligent DUI Vehicular ManslaughterNegligent DUI Vehicular ManslaughterNegligent DUI Vehicular ManslaughterHomicide – Motor Vehicle/Vessel-ImpairHomicide – Motor Vehicle/Vessel-ImpairHomicide – Motor Vehicle/Vessel-ImpairDUI
The separate manslaughter and homicide charges are for each of the three victims.
The DUI charges mean Clingman is accused of having at least a .08 BAC, but Braveboy said there were no other intoxicants in her blood.
“This was a horrific tragedy that should not have occurred,” Braveboy said. “This just starts, really, our fight to get justice for these three young men, their families, Wise High School, the NFL, and this entire community.”
Last year, Maryland State Police troopers responded to the crash on Northbound Route 4 and Pennsylvania Avenue and Presidential Parkway north of Dower House Road in Upper Marlboro. Police said that three cars were involved: A silver Infinity Q50, a silver Chevrolet Impala, and a maroon Dodge Charger.
Clingman, who was driving the silver Infinity, hit the Dodge that Jackson, Hazel and Lytton were in when attempting to change lanes, according to a preliminary police investigation. The Charger was forced off the right side of the road, where it hit multiple tree stumps before coming to a rest. Clingman then hit the Impala. The Cheverlot’s sole occupant was not injured. Clingman, and her two passengers, were also not injured in the crash.
The arrest and charges come almost seven months after the deadly crash.
“It took some time. When they got their report to us, we were able to turn it around in just a couple of weeks and present it to a grand jury,” Braveboy said.
PREVIOUS| Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson, 2 others die in 3-car crash near Forestville, Md.
Officials revealed that Clingman was impaired by alcohol at the time of the crash.
7News On Your Side knocked on Clingman’s door Thursday night, but nobody answered. Her lawyer said she will plead not guilty, and looks forward to her day in court.
None of the victims’ families responded to requests for comment. They were invited to Braveboy’s press conference, but were not there.
Days after the crash, Hazel’s sister talked with 7News Maryland Bureau Chief Brad Bell.
“That’s my little brother,” said Brianna Thompson. “Great kid he was on the right track. Had a lot going for himself great football player. He was on his way to try out for the (Canadian Football League).”
Clingman was and remains in custody, Braveboy said, and the investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
She has a bond review hearing Friday. If found guilty, she can face a maximum of 30 years in prison, 10 years per victim.
“They went to Prince George’s County Public Schools. That’s the story of most of us. I went to Prince George’s County Public Schools,” Braveboy said. “They excelled as athletes, as scholars, but most importantly as human beings. Everyone loved them.”