Johnston had been without sleep for a period of time leading up to the day of the accident. The teen charged in the crash that killed Auburn announcer Rod Bramblett and his wife, Paula, is back behind bars. An Alabama teen is facing two counts of manslaughter in the deaths of Auburn University sports announcer Rod Bramblett, 53 and wife Paula, 52. Due to Taylor being granted youthful. 53-year-old RodBramblett and his 52-year-old wife Paula Bramblett diedon May 25th after a big accident where someonerear-ended their car. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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. However, Alabama law says once a person reaches the age of 18 theyre considered an adult in regard to criminal prosecution.. Tommy Spina, who represented Taylor, said that the sentence was fair and balanced in light of all facts and circumstances.. 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). Johnston Edward Taylor, a 16-year-old from Auburn, Alabama, has been arrested and charged as an adult with two counts of manslaughter in the deaths of former Auburn play-by-play broadcaster Rod . Bramblett was known by all as the "Voice of the Auburn Tigers". The deadly crash happened on Shug Jordan Parkway at the intersection of West Samford Avenue. On Monday, Auburn police announced that they had arrested 16-year-old Johnston Edward Taylor on two counts of manslaughter in the incident and that he was being . He is young, but should have been responsible, Patti Vines Bauer wrote. According to Alabama law, a defendant deemed a youthful offender is considered to be guilty of breaking the Youthful Offender Statute, but not the crime they were originally charged with. According to WRBL, hundreds of members from the Auburn community attended the May 30 Celebration of Life service for the Brambletts. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. The Brambletts, in a 2017 Toyota Highlander, were stopped in the southbound outside lane of Shug Jordan parkway at a traffic light. Rod Bramblett was airlifted to UAB Birmingham, where he later died from severe head injuries. 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 was then released from the facility in 2020 and his bond was re-instated with multiple bond conditions. 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. 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. Like the Brambletts, Taylor is also from Alabama, where the accident took. No additional details about the alleged crimes have yet been made public. Rod Bramblett was loved by all of Auburn University. A toxicology analysis report from the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences indicated a blood sample from Taylor contained THC. Taylor -- then a 16-year-old Lee Scott Academy student -- was traveling south in the outside lane on Shug Jordan Parkway approaching West Samford Avenue in his Jeep Laredo. According to a police report, Taylor told the officer he was sorry and he was speeding because his girlfriend was having an anxiety attack. Many people have taken to social media to express their opinion about Taylor being charged as an adult. Taylor told first reponders that he had no recollection of what happened because he said he fell asleep at the wheel. 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. He also was prohibited from use of any social media and must continue mental health and drug treatment therapy. Lee County Circuit Judge P.B. The defendant received 60-90 days residential rehab treatment in Nashville, Tennessee and has been confined to his home since then by agreement to reset bond,' he wrote. His arrest marked the first. Rod Bramblett was known as the Voice of the Auburn Tigers. He served as the lead play-by-play announcer for the mens football, basketball and baseball teams. None of this justifies what happened; however, it does lend itself to treatment as a Youthful Offender.. Johnston Edward Taylor is charged with manslaughter in the May 25, 2019 deaths of the Brambletts. They were both airlifted to UAB. The defendant says when he last looked at the speedometer, he was going 60 to 65 mph,' the judge wrote. Latest news and commentary on Johnston Edward Taylor including photos, videos, quotations, and a biography. On Feb. 1, the Opelika Police Department began investigating a theft of property, third degree, which occurred at 2570 Enterprise Drive, Hobby Lobby. 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. #Auburnhttps://t.co/CdGfhOO5Av, Kevin Scarbinsky (@KevinScarbinsky) 26 de mayo de 2019. Our website services, content and products are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Contributed by the Auburn Police Department, 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. 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. Taylor, who is a high school student at Lee-Scott Academy, has been charged as an adult. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. I dont know exactly how it will proceed at this point, Jones told the Opelika-Auburn News on Friday. He also waived his right to a jury trial for a trial by court, according to Alabama law. 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. Richard Silva is the Auburn athletics beat writer for the Montgomery Advertiser. "The driver appeared nervous because his hand was shaking,'' an officer wrote. The order granting Taylor youthful offender status was signed by Judge P.B. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. All rights reserved (About Us). The Brambletts, in a 2017 Toyota Highlander, were stopped in the southbound outside lane of Shug Jordan parkway at a traffic light. He smashed into the back right bottom of the SUV, pushing their car into the opposite lanesof traffic. The Jeep struck the Brambletts SUV to the right of center, according to the crash report. Johnston Edward Taylor: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. Manslaughter is the correct charge and if convicted he needs to do the time and have a Permanent adult record. Jeff Tommie Sartain posted. Taylor -- then a 16-year-old Lee Scott Academy student -- was traveling south in the outside lane on Shug Jordan Parkway approaching West Samford Avenue in his Jeep Laredo. 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). Johnston Edward Taylor, 16, of Auburn, was arrested at his home Monday on manslaughter charges, then taken to the Lee County Jail where bond was set at $50,000. Please consult your doctor before taking any action. The Alabama Department of Forensic Science found on July 1 that Taylor's toxicology results were positive for Marijuana. Taylor was free on bond while charged with reckless manslaughter in the deaths of the couple. 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 applicant also waives their right to a jury trial for a trial by court, according to Alabama law.. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. In an unfortunate event your identity was stolen, here are nine tips to help you recover your identity, according to the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). However, it'sunknown if Taylor was considered impaired at the time of the accident. His wife Paula was pronounced dead shortly after. If Taylor waives the hearing, it would go straight to grand jury. Johnston Edward Taylor, charged with manslaughter in the May 25, 2019 deaths of the Brambletts, had is bond revoked Dec. 18. Police this week announced that 16-year-old Johnston Edward Taylor, a Lee Scott Academy high school student, was charged with two counts of manslaughter in the May 25 deaths. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). As terrible as this crime is, I have a problem with anyone under 18 being charged as an adult for any reason, Chris Wiliams commented. Taylor was indicted on two counts of manslaughter-reckless by a Lee County grand jury on Jan. 16, 2020. Police said the arrest stems from an investigation that began on June 7 and was initiated by the APD and members of the Alabama Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The teen was observed driving 62 mph in a 35-mph zone on Annaleu Drive near Burke Place. The Jeep struck the Brambletts SUV to the right of center, according to the crash report. By Lauren Margolis Written on Jul 08, 2019. "Comes now the defendant, Johnston Edward Taylor, and files this his Motion to Withdraw the request for a Preliminary Hearing in these premises. 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. Now a teen is being chraged for the crime. 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. Auburn police have charged 16-year-old Johnston Edward Taylor as an adult with two counts of manslaughter. It was just after 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2019 when the Brambletts were killed. The teen was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Taylor was transported to the Lee County Jail and held on a $60,000 bond. He also passed all drug except recently in March 2021 when he tested positive for alcohol. Johnston Edward Taylor, the teenage-driver of the car that killed Rod Bramblett and his wife, Paula, on May 25, 2019 has been sentenced, per AL.com. 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The Jeep struck the Brambletts SUV to the right of center, according to the crash report. The Brambletts vehicle was pushed into the intersection and through the opposing lanes of traffic before coming to a final rest on the curb. We trust that in time there can be healing for parties directly affected by this terrible tragedy., Rod Bramblett wreck warrant: Teen was driving 30 mph over speed limit. Johnston Edward Taylor, 19, was arrested on felony warrants charging him with six counts of possession of child pornography. The teen was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. 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. ruling, the objection reads. Auburn play-by-play announcer Rob Bramblett and his wife were involved in a tragic accident today. The teen was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Taylor thanked me for writing him a citation and was released from the scene. All rights reserved (About Us). Taylor told the officer he was the person who accidentally crashed into the Brambletts. The impact caused the Jeep to hit a pedestrian and a traffic light pole before coming to a final rest. According to Auburn police, Johnston Edward Taylor, 19, has been charged with six counts of possession of child pornography. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Auburn Police arrested Taylor on felony. The 18-year-old charged in the crash that killed Auburn announcer Rod Bramblett and his wife, Paula, has been granted youthful offender status. Opelika police began investigating a theft of property, second degree, which allegedly occurred at Best Buy located at 2147 Tiger Town Parkway. I think it should have been murder charges. Taylor told police that he fell asleep while driving and did not remember what happened, according to the traffic-crash report. According to reports from WLTZ, Taylor has deep ties to the Auburn community and close connections with law enforcement. The status means the maximum sentence he can serve is three years while it also eliminated a jury trial. Alcohol was also ruled out as a possible culprit. A youthful offender in the state of Alabama is classified as a person under the age of 21. 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. Updated: Apr. The judge noted in his order that Taylor had only had his drivers license for three months when the deadly crash happened. Taylor became a suspect after APD and members of the Alabama Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force initiated an investigation on June 7. McLauchlin granted the now 18-year-old Taylor with youthful offender status on April 13. 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. He was named National Broadcaster of the Year by Sports Illustrated in 2013. 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 granting Taylor youthful offender status signed by McLauchlin reads. 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. A motion was filed in court Wednesday afternoon to revoke the bond of Johnston Taylor, now 18. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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. The Brambletts, in a 2017 Toyota Highlander, were stopped in the southbound outside lane of Shug Jordan parkway at a traffic light. He was arrested by police on Thursday. RIP to a humble yet powerful voice. Johnston Edward Taylor, now 19, was arrested Thursday on felony warrants charging with six counts of possession of child pornography. Circuit Judge Jacob Walker says because of the COVID-19 pandemic, he is reinstating bond for 17-year-old Johnston Edward Taylor. During his years as an announcer, Bramblett won many awards. The content produced by YourTango is for informational and educational purposes only. You can cancel at any time. Police say Taylor's arrest stems from an investigation by Auburn. Taylors defense attorneys objected to the motion to revoke bond and said the positive results for alcohol were due to allergy medication the defendant had taken, including Nite Time, ZzzQuick and Allergy Relief, because of high pollen levels and an inability to sleep due to the PTSD caused by the accident and his depression because of the effect he had had only [sic] the family of the deceased, the objection reads. 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). If Taylor makes bond, Jones said, the next step would be a preliminary hearing, which the defendant has the choice to waive or not. That incident happened at 7:20 a.m. and the officer observed the defendant accelerating rapidly, the prosecutor wrote. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. According to the newest bond revocation request, which is still pending, Taylor had positive screens for alcohol on March 1, March 18, and March 20 of this year. The teenager involved in the crash that killed Rod Bramblett and his wife, Paula, has been arrested. "The Freak" lived up to his nickname Thursday night. May Paula & Rod RIP https://t.co/3Q1NyfigMI, Dick Vitale (@DickieV) 26 de mayo de 2019. She was pronounced dead in the emergency room from multiple internal injuries. He has to live with this the rest of his life mentally and instead of therapy you are throwing A KID in prison for manslaughter.