This morning Jacob Robert Lee entered into a negotiated plea. Lee received a sentence of 30 years requiring him to serve 15 years incarcerated and another 15 on probation. Lee was involved in a crash in Blue Ridge, Georgia that killed a 6-year-old girl, Hannah Johnson, and paralyzed her 3-year-old brother on July 1st 2011 at the Wendy’s traffic light.The Johnson family is from Palm Bay, Florida but was on vacation in a cabin in Georgia when the accident occurred.
The District Attorney B. Alison Sosebee told FYN that the numerous amount of appeals created significant delays, but with the closing of the case allows for the process of healing and closure to begin for the victims, family and community.
Sosebee would go on to state that the events surrounding the entire case was an absolute tragedy.
David Johnson, father of the children, addressed the court, saying that there is no happiness here, but the conclusion of the case will help to start to provide closure for his entire family.
Also in the car with the family was 10-year-old Brooke who also suffered a broken wrist, 8-year-old Kathryn had both of her legs broken, David was left with a concussion, and their pregnant mother Susannah was left with numerous broken ribs. The family members were rushed to Fannin Regional and then airlifted to Erlanger Medical Center.
Sosebee released the following statement following today's events
State v. Jacob Robert Lee
Indictment No. 2012R-19
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On September 25, 2014, Jacob Robert Lee was sentenced in the Superior Court of Fannin County to a term of 30 years with 15 years of the sentence to be incarcerated in the state prison system.
Mr. Lee pled guilty to numerous charges including Homicide by Vehicle in the First Degree and Serious Injury by Vehicle. The charges against Mr. Lee were based upon a collision occurring on July 1, 2011. On that date Lee, who was sixteen years of age, was driving a 2011 Dodge Ram on State Route 515 in Fannin County when his vehicle struck a Honda van stopped at a red light at an intersection.
Members of the Johnson family were in the Honda van at the time of the collision and due to the force with which Lee’s vehicle struck the van, serious injuries and death resulted.
District Attorney B. Alison Sosebee states “Reaching a resolution in this matter has occurred with Mr. Lee pleading guilty; however, it was unfortunately delayed due to a series of appeals including a Petition for Writ of Certiorari filed by Lee in the United States Supreme Court during which time the Superior Court of Fannin County lost jurisdiction to hear this case.”
She continues by stating “The actions of Mr. Lee resulted in the death of Hannah Johnson and serious injuries to Owen Johnson, Brook Johnson, Kathryn Johnson and Suzanna Johnson.” The offenses of Homicide by Vehicle in the First Degree and Serious Injury by Vehicle each carry a statutory maximum sentence of fifteen years. “I have spoken with Mr. and Ms. Johnson on multiple occasions and the negotiated plea was based upon extensive consideration of the evidence as well as those communications.”
Sosebee concludes by stating “It is my hope that the resolution of this case can begin to provide closure not only to the Johnson family and the loss which they have suffered but to this community as well. This case is a grim reminder of the consequences of dangerous driving by a teenager and the tragic reality that can follow.”