Auburn police have charged 16-year-old Johnston Edward Taylor as an adult with two counts of manslaughter. At the time of the accident the defendant was a 16-year-old teenager with no prior criminal history, who had smoked or used marijuana and had been diagnosed with marijuana use disorder, McLauchlin wrote in his order. Rod Bramblett, 52 and the driver of the Highlander, was airlifted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, where he later died from a closed head injury. Within the Auburn community, theres been a mixed response concerning Taylors arrest. Auburn police and the Alabama Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force launched an investigation on June 7, Assistant Chief Clarence Stewart announced late Thursday night. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The Brambletts vehicle was pushed into the intersection and through the opposing lanes of traffic before coming to a final rest on the curb. He alleged that was due to him taking allergy medicine which contained alcohol.. Taylor told first reponders that he had no recollection of what happened because he said he fell asleep at the wheel. None of this justifies what happened; however, it does lend itself to treatment as a Youthful Offender., According to the police report of the crash, Taylor told officers he had fallen asleep while driving and did not remember what occurred. Opelika police have arrested an Opelika High School teacher under a charge of soliciting a sex act with a student under the age of 19. Paula Bramblett, 53, was airlifted from the scene but had to be diverted to East Alabama Medical Center due to the severity of her injuries. Investigators determined he had not been on his cell phone nor had he been distracted by an electronic device. Photo from Lee Co. Sheriff's Office An arrest has been made in the crash that killed the Voice of the Auburn Tigers Rod Bramblett and his wife . He smashed into the back right bottom of the SUV, pushing their car into the opposite lanesof traffic. She was pronounced dead in the emergency room from multiple internal injuries. Opelika police began investigating a theft of property, second degree, which allegedly occurred at Best Buy located at 2147 Tiger Town Parkway. Cadillac Williams is using personal connections in his recruiting effort for this 2025 offensive tackle. Taylor was free on bond while charged with reckless manslaughter in the deaths of the couple. Taylor was driving southbound in the outside laneof Shug Jordan Parkway, headed toward West Samford Avenue minutes before the crash happened. 11 Strict Rules That Elon Musk Makes His Girlfriends & Wives Follow, Justin Bieber Suspected As The Father Of Kourtney Kardashian's Son Reign (Instead Of Scott Disick), Why Kate Moss Was 'Scared' & 'Couldn't Get Out Of Bed For Weeks' After Working With Mark Wahlberg. His arrest marked the first. All rights reserved (About Us). If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Auburn police, Photo from Lee Co. Sheriffs Office An arrest has been made in the crash that killed the Voice of the Auburn Tigers Rod Bramblett and his wife, Paula. The impact caused the Jeep to hit a pedestrian and a traffic light pole before coming to a final rest. According to WRBL, hundreds of members from the Auburn community attended the May 30 Celebration of Life service for the Brambletts. By Lauren Margolis Written on Jul 08, 2019. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. All rights reserved (About Us). The teen's bond was first revoked in December 2019 after got two speeding tickets and one. Court documents revealed that Johnston Edward Taylor's 2011 Jeep Cherokee Laredo was accelerating from 89 mph to 91 mph, with no signs of any braking, at the time of the crash. "The Freak" lived up to his nickname Thursday night. Johnston Edward Taylor, 17, will appear in court Nov. 2 for the start of the trial, which will begin with jury selection. The Auburn Police Division said in a statement that Johnston Edward Taylor of Auburn was arrested at his home on Monday. He was also arrested in June of this year on six counts of possession of child pornography. He was held on a $50,000 bond but has since been released. Youth offender cases are sealed, so the outcome of that case is not made public. It was just after 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2019 when the Brambletts were killed. Taylors previous bond was revoked in December 2019 due to traffic citations for speeding and reckless driving he was issued in November 2019. An investigation also found the teen "was traveling at an excessive rate of speed, well over the posted 55-mphspeed limit, when the crash occurred.". If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Teenager charged with manslaughter. It is unknown if Taylor was considered impaired at the time of the accident. Alabama Law Enforcement Agencys Traffic Homicide Unit determined after an investigation on June 28 that Taylor was driving 89-91 mph when the accident happened. Taylor, who is 19 years old now, was 16 at the time of the crash that occurred May 25, 2019. Officers found empty cigar packets and shake, small pieces of marijuana, on the floorboard. After a search warrant was conducted, police collected more evidence and arrested and charged Taylor. He was charged with two counts of manslaughter in July of that same year, but a judge granted him youthful offender status in April 2021. Auburn Police arrested Taylor on felony. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. If the application is approved, the applicant would have a reduced range of punishment to a maximum sentence of 3 years. He was held in Lee County Jail on a $60,000 bond. Johnston Edward Taylor (Source: Lee County Sheriff's Office) By WSFA 12 News Staff. Bramblett won numerous awards and was named National Broadcaster of the Year by Sports Illustrated in 2013. AUBURN Johnston Edward Taylor, the teen charged in the 2019 crash that killed Auburn radio broadcaster Rod Bramblett and his wife, Paula, was admitted to Lee County Jail on Tuesday for a parole violation, per jail records. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). BREAKING: Auburn man charged in deadly Bramblett crash arrested - WRBL On July 1, the Alabama Department of Forensic Science reported that Taylors toxicology results tested positive for marijuana. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Teen charged in crash that killed Rod and Paula Bramblett granted youthful offender status, Auburn has lost its voice, but memories of Rod Bramblett will never be forgotten, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The Jeep struck the Brambletts SUV to the right of center, according to the crash report. UPDATE: On July 1, 2019, 16-year-old Johnston Edward Taylor was arrested and charged with two counts of manslaughter in the deaths of Rod and Paula Bramblett. The Brambletts, in a 2017 Toyota Highlander, were stopped in the southbound outside lane of Shug Jordan parkway at a traffic light. Lee County Circuit Judge P.B. This is undisputed., Spina said experts say that marijuana can stay in someones system for as long as 30 days or more. The teen told first responders that he fell asleep at the wheel and had no recollection of the accident. Johnston Edward Taylor is a 16-year-old who was charged with the killings of Rod Bramblett and Paula Bramblett. and he is not allowed visitors outside of immediate family members. The Auburn Police Department has arrested Johnston Edward Taylor, 19, on felony warrants charging him with six counts of possession of child pornography. A motion was filed in court Wednesday afternoon to revoke the bond of Johnston Taylor, now 18. At the time of the deadly crash, Taylor was driving 89 mph, under the influence of marijuana, and still accelerating, authorities said, when he rammed into the back of the couples SUV. According to reports from WLTZ, Taylor has deep ties to the Auburn community and close connections with law enforcement. UPDATED: Data indicates teen driver hit Brambletts 89-91 mph in Auburn All results are indicative of previous heavy drinking 1-3 days before test or recent light drinking within the past 24 hours,' wrote Lee County Assistant District Attorney James L. Farmer. https://auburnwire.usatoday.com/2021/04/28/johnston-edward-taylor-driver-car-killed-rod-paula-bramblett-sentenced/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Rod Bramblett known as the Voice of the Auburn Tigers was the lead broadcaster for Auburn University athletics for many years before his death. Go Fund Me account for Bramblett children has already surpassed $200,000 https://t.co/XOWboK2oUE. The impact caused the Jeep to hit a pedestrian crossing signal and a traffic light pole before coming to a final rest. Like the Brambletts, Taylor is also from Alabama, where the accident took. Johnston Edward Taylor is a16-year-old Alabama native who is being charged as an adult and facing two counts of manslaughter. Due to Taylor being granted youthful offender status, the terms of his sentence are not being released. Alabama News Network Staff. Lee County Sherriffs Office/Facebook Johnston Taylor Taylor, 17, was charged as an adult with two counts of manslaughter-reckless in connection with the May 25, 2019, car crash that killed Rod and Paula Bramblett. Rod Bramblett wreck warrant: Teen was driving 30 mph over speed limit - al It's hard to find the right words. That incident happened at 9:25 a.m. During the traffic stop, Hughes noted, the officer smelled marijuana in the vehicle and found marijuana residue. Johnston Edward Taylor, charged as an adult with two counts of manslaughter-reckless in connection with the crash that killed Rod and Paula Bramblett, had his bond revoked during a Wednesday. Sign up for the Auburn Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. Taylor told authorities he fell asleep at the wheel and did not remember what happened, according to the police report in the case. Rest In Peace to them but that CHILD does not need to go to prison, Abbie Newman wrote on Facebook. Taylors drivers license will remain in the possession of Spina, and the teen is not allowed to drive. #Auburnhttps://t.co/CdGfhOO5Av, Kevin Scarbinsky (@KevinScarbinsky) 26 de mayo de 2019. The youthful offender status will eliminate a jury trial, if there is a trial, and the range of punishment goes from two to 20 years had he been tried as an adult to zero to three years maximum. He also was prohibited from use of any social media and must continue mental health and drug treatment therapy. The Jeep struck the Brambletts SUV to the right of center, according to the crash report. Trial date set for teen charged in fatal Auburn crash that killed Rod Bramblett served as The Voice of the Auburn Tigers since 2003 until his death. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Taylor told officers that he had hit a cat with the vehicle and it was nasty and he was trying to get it out from the undercarriage. Taylor was developed as a suspect and, after a search warrant and the collection of evidence, he was arrested and charged. May Paula & Rod RIP https://t.co/3Q1NyfigMI, Dick Vitale (@DickieV) 26 de mayo de 2019. "Comes now the defendant, Johnston Edward Taylor, and files this his Motion to Withdraw the request for a Preliminary Hearing in these premises. Our website services, content and products are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The Alabama Supreme Court appointed retired Dale County Judge McLauchlin to preside as the circuit judge in Taylors case in November 2020 after numerous Lee County judges recused themselves from presiding over the case, documents show. McLauchlin, a circuit judge, said. None of this justifies what happened; however, it does lend itself to treatment as a Youthful Offender.. The impact caused the Jeep to hit a pedestrian and a traffic light pole before coming to a final rest. Taylor was taken into custody and booked into the Lee County Jail. . A post shared by Rod Bramblett (@voiceofautigers) on Jul 1, 2015 at 10:46am PDT. He is charged as an adult. People share memories, thoughts on Rod Bramblett. Auburn police previously ruled out the use of a phone as a contributing factor in the cause of the crash and previously said alcohol was not a factor. Taylor, who is a high school student at Lee-Scott Academy, has been charged as an adult. There was a problem saving your notification. At that time, he was transported by deputies to a treatment facility . Johnston Edward Taylor, now 19, was arrested Thursday on felony warrants charging with six counts of possession of child pornography. Johnston Edward Taylor, 16, was charged on July 1 with two counts of manslaughter, causing the deaths of famed Auburn University announcer Rod Bramblett and wife Paula. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The grand jury on Jan. 16 issued the manslaughter indictments. There was no braking, according to the report. He was arrested by police on Thursday. Under the conditions, Taylor must remain on 24/7 lockdown as his mothers home and must wear an ankle monitor. The youthful offender status eliminates a jury trial, if there is a trial, and the range of punishment goes from two to 20 years had he been tried as an adult to zero to three years maximum. While the Brambletts were stopped at a red light, Taylor rear-ended their Toyota Highlander with his Jeep. He was charged as an adult, but Taylor was granted youthful offender status on April 13, 2021, at the age of 18, after applying for it in July of 2020. The Brambletts vehicle was pushed into the intersection and through the opposing lanes of traffic before coming to a final rest on the curb. He is still facing another possible bond revocation. New Details about Teenager Involved in Crash That Killed Ron and Paula The content produced by YourTango is for informational and educational purposes only. THC is the primary psychoactive component of marijuana and is indicative of recent usage of marijuana at the time of the collision on May 25, the affidavit reads, according to the Opelika-Auburn News. The Alabama Department of Forensic Science found on July 1 that Taylor's toxicology results were positive for Marijuana. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Submitted by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Buc-ee's takes one more step toward its April opening date along I-85 in Auburn, Auburns Putt for a Car winner picks up new ride, The Graduate Auburn Hotel slotted to open in 2024 with 177 keys and rooftop bar, 'Worse ways to start': Auburn's big-swinging Justin Kirby has five hits and five home runs, Inmate dies while in custody at Lee County Detention Center, Big profits, big bills: Alabamians pay some of the nations highest electricity costs, Auburn AD Cohen: First female statue being addressed, KFC is bringing back a fan favorite after a nearly 10-year hiatus, New bar, The Saloon, opens in former Tacorita location in downtown Auburn, Chick-fil-A in Tiger Town is closed for remodeling, His leadership truly infused life back into this community: Cadillac Williams receives Auburn Chamber of Commerce Spirit of Auburn Award, Road family meets hometown family: Opelikas Addison Garner performs in Gogue Center with Broadways Hairspray, Auburn gymnastics meet at Kentucky postponed to Saturday, Opelika police search for suspects said to have stolen a wallet from a victim in Hobby Lobby, In three weeks, Opelika police arrested 14 people during drug investigations that involved fentanyl, Auburn police arrest Georgia man in connection to a suspected drug overdose death, Police investigation leads to arrest of Opelika High School teacher under charge of soliciting sex, One suspect arrested in connection to Best Buy theft that occurred in December, Moscow reportedly threatened new parents in Ukraine: Register your newborns as Russian or else, The impact of climate change will be felt worse in these three U.S. cities, Scientists reveal hidden corridor in Great Pyramid of Giza, Greece train crash: Public anger grows as death toll rises. Johnston was not impaired at the time of the accident, Spina said. The defendant says when he last looked at the speedometer, he was going 60 to 65 mph,' the judge wrote. The Opelika Police Department Narcotics Unit has made 14 arrests within a time span of about three weeks while investigating reports of illega, Auburn Police Departments Narcotics and Investigations Section arrested a Georgia man in connection to a suspected drug overdose death that i. The motion to revoke the bond of Johnston Taylor, 18, came Wednesday after he tested positive for alcohol consumption during three different drug screenings while on bond in March, court documents show. At that time, he was transported by deputies to a treatment facility where he remained until Thursday morning. Auburn play-by-play announcer Rob Bramblett and his wife were involved in a tragic accident today. Opelika police began investigating a theft of property, second degree, which allegedly occurred at Best Buy located at 2147 Tiger Town Parkway. Defense says deaths of Auburn broadcaster, wife not a crime Heavy.comreports that the fatal crash happened just after 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 25. At the age of 16, Taylor was the. Lee County Circuit Judge P.B. The Brambletts vehicle was pushed into the intersection and through the opposing lanes of traffic before coming to a final rest on the curb. Motion filed to revoke bond of teen charged in connection to fatal Charges were not filed against Taylor until the crash investigation and toxicology tests were completed. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The 17-year-old charged in the crash that killed Auburn announcer Rod Bramblett and his wife, Paula, is being released on bond and into home confinement. MORE ABOUT THE CASE:Teen charged in crash that killed Rod and Paula Bramblett granted youthful offender status, BRAMBLETT:Auburn has lost its voice, but memories of Rod Bramblett will never be forgotten, At the time of the accident, the defendant was a 16-year-old teenager with no prior criminal history, who had smoked or used marijuana and had been diagnosed with marijuana use disorder, the order signed in 2021 by P.B. Paula Bramblett was also employed by the university in the IT department. Taylor told police that he fell asleep while driving and did not remember what happened, according to the traffic-crash report. After his release, records show, Taylor was cited by Auburn police on Nov. 24 for driving 68 mph in a 45-mph zone on South College Street near the intersection of South Donahue Drive. Dorsey said the case would be investigated and handled like any other case. The applicant also waives their right to a jury trial for a trial by court, according to Alabama law.. Case against Auburn teen charged in deadly Bramblett crash heads to The objection said the state insisted on a surprise drug screening at Taylors youthful offender hearing that began Tuesday, and the results came back negative for both drugs and alcohol. On Feb. 1, the Opelika Police Department began investigating a theft of property, third degree, which occurred at 2570 Enterprise Drive, Hobby Lobby. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. RIP To Rod Bramblett, The Voice Of Auburn And The Greatest Call In CFB Historyhttps://t.co/vMqxX56Wa6 pic.twitter.com/0tM5whBdyS, Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) 27 de mayo de 2019. Rod Bramblett, 52, who was the driver of the Highlander, was airlifted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, where he later died from a closed head injury. Johnston Edward Taylor: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. It was one year ago that Auburn broadcaster Rod Bramblett and his wife Paula were killed in a car crash. Teen charged in death of Rod, Paula Bramblett violates parole 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences conducted a toxicology report and confirmed Taylor had marijuana in his system. Taylor thanked me for writing him a citation and was released from the scene. According to. The court records provide more detail into what led to the charges against the Lee Scott . You can cancel at any time. None of this justifies what happened; however, it does lend itself to treatment as a Youthful Offender. Youthful offender cases are sealed and the outcomes are not released to the public.Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones said Friday that Taylor was released from custody in Lee County on Oct. 6, 2021, and was transported to Department of Corrections in Kilby, Ala. "The driver appeared nervous because his hand was shaking,'' an officer wrote. The affidavit in the case released Tuesday states the report from ALEAs Traffic Homicide Unit data states that Taylors Jeep Laredo was accelerating from a speed of 89 mph to 91 mph in a 55-mph zone when the crash happened. Auburn Police say theyve arrested and charged 16-year-old Johnston Edward Taylor with two counts of manslaughter for the May 25th crash on Shug Jordan Parkway at West Samford Avenue. Taylors blood sample contained THC, which is the primary psychoactive component of marijuana, and is indicative of recent usage of marijuana at the time of the collision, records state. Johnston Edward Taylors "blood sample contained THC, which is the primary psychoactive component of marijuana, and is indicative of recent usage of marijuana at the time of the collision, records state. The Jeep struck the Brambletts SUV to the right of center, according to the crash report. He also is prohibited from use of any social media and must continue mental health and drug treatment therapy. Additionally, the judge ordered, Taylor must follow a strict 14-day COVID-19 quarantine. According to a police report, Taylor told the officer he was sorry and he was speeding because his girlfriend was having an anxiety attack. The Auburn Police Department has arrested Johnston Edward Taylor, 19, on felony warrants charging him with six counts of possession of child pornography. The deadly crash happened on Shug Jordan Parkway at the intersection of West Samford Avenue. McLauchlin, a retired Dale County Judge appointed to Taylors case by the Alabama Supreme Court after numerous Lee County judges recused themselves from presiding over the case, documents show. The 18-year-old charged in the crash that killed Auburn announcer Rod Bramblett and his wife, Paula, has been granted youthful offender status. Auburn police announced the arrest of 16-year-old Johnston Edward Taylor. Taylors "blood sample contained THC, which is the primary psychoactive component of marijuana, and is indicative of recent usage of marijuana at the time of the collision, records state. The report from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agencys Traffic Homicide Unit indicated that Taylors vehicle was doing 89-91 mph and that he did not brake before the crash, according to the affidavit. Learn more about the car accident that ended two lives and ruined another. As far as any relationships or any rumors, of course, Im not going to get into that at all, speculate or make other comments, Captain Lorenza Dorsey said when asked specifically about the drivers possible connection to the police department. Rod Bramblett was known as The Voice of the Auburn Tigers for his work as a sports broadcaster at Auburn since 1993. Tommy Spina, a lawyer for 16-year-old Johnston Edward Taylor, told al.com his client simply fell asleep at the wheel and wasn't impaired before the wreck which killed broadcaster Rod. A beloved sports announcer at Auburn University and his wife have been killed. The Brambletts, in a 2017 Toyota Highlander, were stopped in the southbound outside lane of Shug Jordan parkway at a traffic light. Driver, 16, arrested in Auburn announcer's death - ESPN.com However, it'sunknown if Taylor was considered impaired at the time of the accident. Teen indicted in crash that killed Rod and Paula Bramblett 29, 2020 at 7:48 PM CDT . Circuit Judge Jacob Walker says because of the COVID-19 pandemic, he is reinstating bond for 17-year-old Johnston Edward Taylor. McLauchlin, a retired judge handling the case, in his order said, At the time of the accident the defendant was a 16-year-old teenager with no prior criminal history, who had smoked or used marijuana and had been diagnosed with marijuana use disorder, McLauchlin wrote. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. At the time of the deadly crash, Taylor was driving 89 mph in a 55-mph zone, under the influence of marijuana, and still accelerating, authorities said, when he rammed into the back of the couples SUV. Paula and Rod Bramblett's deaths are tragic but not a crime, lawyer Although his bond was revoked, Taylor was transferred from the Lee County Detention Facility to a rehabilitation facility for treatment. Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes is asking that Johnston Edward Taylor's bond be revoked since he has gotten two speeding tickets and one reckless driving citation since the deadly accident seven months ago. Both he and wife Paula were from Alabama and had graduated from Auburn University. According to an order issued by Circuit Judge Jacob Walker III, attorney Tommy Spina and Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes agreed on terms of Taylors release. Taylor was taken to Lee County Jail where bond was set at $50,000. Heand his wife were both graduates of Auburn University, so it was a special place to them that was dear to their hearts. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. Lee County Circuit Judge P.B. At the age of 16, Taylor was the driver in the Shug Jordan Parkway crash that killed Rod Bramblett, the lead broadcaster for Auburn University athletics, and his wife Paula on May 25, 2019. Taylor's Jeep then hit a pedestrian crossing signal and traffic light. Auburn Teen Charged with Manslaughter in Deaths of Rod, Paula - FanBuzz THC is the primary psychoactive component of marijuana and is indicative of recent usage of marijuana at the time of the collision on May 25, the affidavit reads. He said Taylor told authorities he was on his way home from the lake after spending the day with a friend and her family, that he was tired and fell asleep, remembered only a loud crash, his vehicle spinning and smoke everywhere. Thats according to court records that have just been made public. The speed limit there was 55 mph. The teen driver in the crash that killed Rod and Paula Bramblett has been charged with manslaughter. Taylor was sentenced in 2021, but due to him being classified as a youthful offender, the details of his sentence were never publically released. Charges were not filed against Taylor until the. Taylor was traveling southbound in the outside lane on Shug Jordan Parkway approaching West Samford Avenue in his Jeep Laredo.