(Escambia County, Florida) On March 6, 2025, Circuit Judge Amy Broderson sentenced Jasmine Tashawri West to over 20 years in state prison for DUI Manslaughter, two counts of DUI with Serious Bodily Injury, one count of DUI with Property Damage, and one count of Driving While License Suspended. Consistent with Florida’s DUI statutes, West will serve four years of the sentence day-for-day and she will have a lifetime driver’s license suspension.
On the afternoon of December 30, 2023, West was driving on North Davis Highway when she drove across two lanes into oncoming traffic. She collided head on with an SUV that was occupied by a family of four. Forensic analysis conducted by the Florida Highway Patrol found that West’s vehicle was traveling at more than 20 miles per hour over the posted speed limit when the crash occurred. The driver of the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver’s wife, who was seated in the front passenger seat, and their two juvenile daughters, both seated in the backseat, survived with significant injuries. An analysis of West’s blood showed her alcohol level to be almost twice the legal limit. West’s license had previously been suspended, and she did not have a valid license at the time of the crash.
At the sentencing hearing, prosecuting attorney, Christopher Patterson argued, “Ms. West had no business driving that day. Her callous actions ended one life and forever harmed three others. A lengthy prison sentence is absolutely appropriate.”
The arrest and investigation were conducted by the Florida Highway Patrol Traffic Homicide Unit. Assistant State Attorney Christopher Patterson prosecuted the case on behalf of Ginger Bowden Madden, State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit of Florida. For more information, please contact Mr. Patterson at (850) 595-4200.
