NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Prosecutors in the case of a 17-year-old driver who crashed into and killed a MNPD officer are aiming to try her as an adult.
Jayona Brown was avoiding a traffic stop by a separate officer early Thursday morning when she crashed into Metro Officer John Anderson. He died in the crash.
Brown was charged with evading arrest, driving on a suspended license and vehicular homicide, aggravated assault and juvenile curfew violation.
The District Attorney's Office filed a notice with the defense attorney this morning of an intent to seek transfer to adult court. A notice will also be filed in court Friday afternoon.
Brown's attorney, Michie Gibson, said the teen is very remorseful and has been in tears since the accident happened. Gibson said he doesn't believe Brown lost consciousness during the crash but that she doesn't remember what happened. He said she has been asking about her 18-year-old friend who is in critical condition at the hospital.
"One was past 18, one was 17. They snuck a car out and were out having a good time," said Gibson. "If there hadn't been an accident, they would've probably made it home and their parents would've never known. Same kinds of things I did when I was 17."
Gibson said he spent an hour with his client Friday morning talking about what happened. Brown and her mother both feel terrible about the death of Officer Anderson, Gibson said.
"She's just worried about them. Cried. Most of our meeting this morning was her crying. Most of her sorrow was for the family of Officer Anderson," he said.
If Brown's case is transferred out juvenile court, she will be treated as an adult during the rest of the trial.
According to Court Administrator Kathy Sinback, prosecutors will first have to prove that Brown can be treated and rehabilitated in the juvenile system before she turns 19.
The 28-year-old was a four-year veteran of the Metro Nashville Police Department, joining them on November 1, 2014. He was also a member of the Drill and Ceremony Team (DCT) with Metro Police.
