According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), Smith crossed three lanes and hit 23-year-old Deputy Christopher Taylor while he was performing a traffic stop.
A woman found guilty of killing a Charlotte County deputy while driving under the influence was sentenced to 29 years in prison.
Cassandra Smith, 31, will serve 29 years for DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide. Charlotte County Judge Shannon McFee also added probation for two charges of DUI damage to property.
Smith was driving 99 mph in a rental car along I-75 in November 2022.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), Smith crossed three lanes and hit 23-year-old Deputy Christopher Taylor while he was performing a traffic stop.
“All my life, this young man wanted to help people,” Richard Taylor Jr. said.
Those are the first words that came out of Taylor’s mouth today. He took the stand to explain to Judge McFee how Cassandra Smith’s drinking and driving impacted his life forever.
Taylor wore a black suit and blue ribbon, as he did for each and every hearing leading up to today’s sentencing. He began his testimony by recalling the 12:30 a.m. knock at his door. It was Nov. 23, 2022.
“Two deputies took a knee as I fell to mine,” Taylor said. “They said we are so sorry to inform you your son is no longer with us.”
Taylor was rushed to the hospital. He said he didn’t believe the story could ever be true. He recalls walking in to see deputies and detectives openly weeping. He said the honor guard met him at the door where he’d see his son.
“I walked in the room,” Taylor said, fighting back tears. “Chris was lying there. His eyes were open. I told him to get up. I said, ‘Get up. There are people to help.’ I touched his forehead. He was ice cold.” Taylor started to cry. “I said, ‘Christopher, get up.’ I fell to the floor, and I said, ‘God, no! Take me, not him.'”
Taylor shared with the judge how he’d never go fishing with his son again or get late-night phone calls. He’d never watch his only son marry the love of his life, Madi Williams.
“It’s been over a year since I heard his voice,” Williams said. “Now, if I want to hear his voice, I have to listen to voicemails.”
In addition to hearing from Taylor’s family, Judge McFee also heard Smith’s attorney read dozens of letters in support of her client. Many of those letters spoke of Smith’s challenges in life, including sexual assault and bipolar disorder.
“She knows she owes responsibility for this accident and the trauma she has caused,” Smith’s dad, Allen, said on the stand. “I’m asking for additional understanding of how she got here today.”
Despite tears all around, Smith showed no emotion throughout the hearing. Just before the judge announced her sentence, Smith spoke directly to Taylor’s family. She read a lengthy apology detailing specific ‘I’m sorry’s’ to Chris’s parents, fiancé, family and brothers in green.
“I hope your buzz was worth it,” Rich Taylor Jr. said.” You killed not only my son that day, but me as well.”
An investigation revealed Smith’s blood alcohol level was 0.258, which is 3x over the legal limit. Records show that Smith also had a history of drunk driving.
Smith was charged with DUI after recklessly driving through Palm Beach County in April 2021. Law enforcement stated she was driving at least 90 miles per hour along State Route 80.
Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell issued the following statement:
“With today’s sentencing, Deputy Taylor’s families – both blood and blue – can take another step forward in finding closure. Seeing justice served is a big part of that, and although it won’t bring Chris back to us, it at least brings a bit of relief.
To Ms. Smith, I want to encourage you to use these 29 years growing as a person. Let this terrible choice you made serve as the catalyst that turns your life around, for you have forever changed the life of the Taylor family.
The next step for us is to honor Chris’ sacrifice in a more permanent way, and we are making progress on that through Rep. Roach’s bill to rename the I-75 Peace River Bridge in his memory. That bill has already begun the approvals process, and I will update you once we cross the finish line so we can again celebrate Chris’ legacy together.”
Although Smith’s criminal case is now closed. Today will not be the last time she sits in front of a judge. Taylor’s family is suing her for wrongful death. She has a hearing next month and a potential trial looming at the end of the summer.
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Source: NBC2
