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 . (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). The Jeep struck the Brambletts SUV to the right of center, according to the crash report. You can cancel at any time. Johnston Edward Taylor, 16, was arrested on July 1, 2019 and charged with two counts of manslaughter involving the deaths of Auburn University sports announcer Rod Bramblett, 53 and wife Paula, 52. The Jeep struck the Brambletts SUV to the right of center, according to the crash report. Heavy.comreports that the fatal crash happened just after 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 25. If the judge believes probable cause does exist to support the arrest warrant, it would be sent to grand jury for consideration, Jones said. Paula Bramblett was also employed by the university in the IT department. As a youthful offender, Taylor had his range of punishment reduced to a maximum sentence of three years. He is charged with two counts of manslaughter and was being held at the Lee . 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. Learn more about the car accident that ended two lives and ruined another. 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. 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. Officers found empty cigar packets and shake, small pieces of marijuana, on the floorboard. In a preliminary hearing, the state presents probable cause to a judge. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Johnston Edward Taylor (Source: Lee County Sheriff's Office) By WSFA 12 News Staff. It's hard to find the right words. All rights reserved (About Us). Updated: Jul 1, 2019 5:37 PM CDT. Dorsey said the case would be investigated and handled like any other case. 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 told first responders that he fell asleep at the wheel and had no recollection of the accident. 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. Tommy Spina, who represented Taylor, said that the sentence was fair and balanced in light of all facts and circumstances.. "Comes now the defendant, Johnston Edward Taylor, and files this his Motion to Withdraw the request for a Preliminary Hearing in these premises. He also passed all drug except recently in March 2021 when he tested positive for alcohol. The Auburn Police Division said in a statement that Johnston Edward Taylor of Auburn was arrested at his home on Monday. None of this justifies what happened; however, it does lend itself to treatment as a Youthful Offender.. Johnston Edward Taylor is a 16-year-old who was charged with the killings of Rod Bramblett and Paula Bramblett. 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. However, it'sunknown if Taylor was considered impaired at the time of the accident. The teen's bond was first revoked in December 2019 after got two speeding tickets and one reckless . 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. The passenger had a hoodie pulled over his head and would not make eye contact with me.. The order was made public at 4:24 p.m. 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. OPELIKA, Ala. (WIAT) A trial date has been set against the teenager charged with killing a longtime Auburn broadcaster and his wife in a fatal car crash last year. By Lauren Margolis Written on Jul 08, 2019. Would love your thoughts, please comment. The Brambletts, in a 2017 Toyota Highlander, were stopped in the southbound outside lane of Shug Jordan parkway at a traffic light. 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. Both he and wife Paula were from Alabama and had graduated from Auburn University. Johnston Edward Taylor, charged as an adult with two counts of manslaughter-reckless in connection with the crash that killed Rod and Paula Bramblett, is facing another bond revocation after a motion was filed Wednesday, court documents show. 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. On Feb. 1, the Opelika Police Department began investigating a theft of property, third degree, which occurred at 2570 Enterprise Drive, Hobby Lobby. It was just after 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2019 when the Brambletts were killed. It was confirmed that the Brambletts were both wearing seatbelts. Due to Taylor being granted youthful. On Jan. 16, 2020, Taylor was indicted by a Lee County grand jury on two counts of. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Rod Bramblett was known as The Voice of the Auburn Tigers for his work as a sports broadcaster at Auburn since 1993. 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. Taylor was charged with manslaughter in the May 25, 2019, deaths of the Brambletts. He is still facing another possible bond revocation. 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. Due to the confidential status of youthful offender proceedings, his attorney, Tommy Spina, declined to comment on the ruling. The officer told Taylor he smelled marijuana and Taylor told them he had not smoked marijuana since May. The results of a drug test were received from the court administrators office and were given to the defense and prosecutionat about 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, and a motion to revoke Taylors bond was filed about four hours later, according to court records. Now a teen is being chraged for the crime. Johnston Edward Taylor, 17, will appear in court Nov. 2 for the start of the trial, which will begin with jury selection. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. The teen charged in the crash that killed Auburn announcer Rod Bramblett and his wife, Paula, is back behind bars. On July 1, the Alabama Department of Forensic Science reported that Taylors toxicology results tested positive for marijuana. A motion was filed in court Wednesday afternoon to revoke the bond of Johnston Taylor, now 18. 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 crossing signal and a traffic light before coming to a final rest. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. There was no braking, according to the report. Taylors trial is set for later this year. Unreal the number of clueless people making excuses for the person who killed two people. Taylor told authorities he fell asleep at the wheel and did not remember what happened, according to the police report in the case. Updated: Apr. 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. He was charged under 12-15-204 of the Alabama Criminal code, Acts for which person who has attained age 16 shall be charged, arrested, and tried as an adult; removal of person from jurisdiction of juvenile court., WLTZ reported that Taylor has deep ties to the Auburn community and even closer connection to law enforcement.. Richard Silva is the Auburn athletics beat writer for the Montgomery Advertiser. He also is prohibited from use of any social media and must continue mental health and drug treatment therapy. Court records indicate that he was taken to the rehab facility before Christmas 2019. She was pronounced dead in the emergency room from multiple internal injuries. Due to Taylor being granted youthful offender status, the terms of his sentence are not being released. 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. According to. Investigators say, Auburn Teen Who Was Sentenced in Fatal Bramblett Crash Arrested on Child Porn Charges, Remembering Rod and Paula Bramblett, One Year after Fatal Crash, Suspect in Crash that Killed Rod & Paula Bramblett Allowed to Go into Home Confinement, Bond Revoked for Teen Driver in Bramblett Fatal Crash, New Details about Teenager Involved in Crash That Killed Ron and Paula Bramblett, Montgomery Firefighters Investigating Large Church Fire Near Downtown, Tallassee Man, Woman Charged with Capital Murder in Death of Woman Found in Macon County, Lowndes County deputies searching for missing man, Spotty Showers Today; Severe Threat Friday Morning. Who is Johnston Edward Taylor and how did the accident happen? He alleged that was due to him taking allergy medicine which contained alcohol.. Thoughts and prayers? 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 was not impaired at the time of the accident, Spina said. There was a problem saving your notification. Taylor told police that he fell asleep while driving and did not remember what happened, according to the traffic-crash report. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The grand jury on Jan. 16 issued the manslaughter indictments. Rod Bramblett known as the Voice of the Auburn Tigers was the lead broadcaster for Auburn University athletics for many years before his death. He was arrested by police on Thursday. 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. All rights reserved (About Us). An Alabama teen is facing two counts of manslaughter in the deaths of Auburn University sports announcer Rod Bramblett, 53 and wife Paula, 52. Alcohol was also ruled out as a possible culprit. McLauchlin granted the now 18-year-old Taylor with youthful offender status on April 13. 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. Johnston Edward Taylor, 16, was arrested on July 1 by the Lee County Sheriff's Office for the May 25 accident in which killed the couple. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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. That incident happened at 7:20 a.m. and the officer observed the defendant accelerating rapidly, the prosecutor wrote. Please subscribe to keep reading. He was named National Broadcaster of the Year by Sports Illustrated in 2013. 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. He smashed into the back right bottom of the SUV, pushing their car into the opposite lanesof traffic. Alabama News Network Staff. His wife Paula was pronounced dead shortly after. Charges were not filed against Taylor until the. 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 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. 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.". A year ago, on May 25, 2019, he and, Photo from Lee Co. Sheriffs Office A judge in Lee County is allowing the teenager charged in the wreck that killed Auburn University broadcaster Rod Bramblett and his wife Paula to be released to home confinement. 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. He was the university's lead play-by-play announcer for the men's football, basketball and baseball teams. 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. Photo by Vasha HuntVasha Hunt. None of this justifies what happened; however, it does lend itself to treatment as a Youthful Offender.. She was pronounced dead in the emergency room at 7:50 p.m. Taylor was also treated at East Alabama Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries. His arrest marked the first. 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. He was held in Lee County Jail on a $60,000 bond. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. Hughes asked for bond to be revoked after Johnston received at least three tickets in November for speeding and reckless driving. 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. The teen was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Lauren Margolis is a writer who covers astrology, pop culture, entertainment news and relationship topics. Monday marks a sad anniversary for Auburn University sports. Like the Brambletts, Taylor is also fromAlabama, where the accident took place. The impact caused the Jeep to hit a pedestrian and a traffic light pole before coming to a final rest. Rod Bramblett was loved by all of Auburn University. The teen was observed driving 62 mph in a 35-mph zone on Annaleu Drive near Burke Place. 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. Taylor was indicted on two counts of manslaughter-reckless by a Lee County grand jury on Jan. 16, 2020. Visitors in his home will be restricted to immediate family members. 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 crash that killed Auburn announcer Rod Bramblett and his wife, Paula, was a tragedy, but it was not a crime, according to the suspects attorney. Investigation revealed. 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. Teenager charged with manslaughter. 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. "The Freak" lived up to his nickname Thursday night. Opelika police began investigating a theft of property, second degree, which allegedly occurred at Best Buy located at 2147 Tiger Town Parkway. Paula Bramblett was airlifted to East Alabama Medical Center, suffering from extensive internal injuries. Rod Bramblett always did. She was pronounced dead in the emergency room from multiple internal injuries. 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 was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. That will allow him to, Photo from Lee Co. Sheriffs Office The teenage driver charged in the fatal wreck that killed The Voice of the Auburn Tigers Rod Bramblett and his wife Paula in May has had his bond revoked. He was then released from the facility in 2020 and his bond was re-instated with multiple bond conditions. Johnston Edward Taylor, of Auburn, was arrested on warrants Monday charging him with two counts of manslaughter, Auburn police said Monday afternoon in a news release. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Taylors previous bond was revoked in December 2019 due to traffic citations for speeding and reckless driving he was issued in November 2019. 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. Auburn play-by-play announcer Rob Bramblett and his wife were involved in a tragic accident today. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. Taylor told first reponders that he had no recollection of what happened because he said he fell asleep at the wheel. Teen arrested for Rod & Paula Bramblett deaths. Heand his wife were both graduates of Auburn University, so it was a special place to them that was dear to their hearts. He said that was the last contact the Lee County Sheriffs Office had with Taylor until this week. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. All rights reserved (About Us). 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. Cadillac Williams is using personal connections in his recruiting effort for this 2025 offensive tackle. None of this justifies what happened; however, it does lend itself to treatment as a Youthful Offender.. Taylor was transported to the Lee County Jail and held on a $60,000 bond. 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. 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. 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 court records provide more detail into what led to the charges against the Lee Scott . According to authorities, Taylor was driving between 89 and 91 mph when he slammed into the back of the couples SUV. Auburn police and the Alabama Internet Crimes Against. However, Alabama law says once a person reaches the age of 18 theyre considered an adult in regard to criminal prosecution.. He also chronicled facts of the case, which included that Taylor was traveling at 90 to 80 miles per hour and in the five seconds before the crash, the vehicle was not slowed or steered. The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences conducted a toxicology report and confirmed Taylor had marijuana in his system. A toxicology analysis report from the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences indicated a blood sample from Taylor contained THC. 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. A motion was filed in court Wednesday afternoon to revoke the bond of Johnston Taylor, now 18. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. I think it should have been murder charges. 0:00 5:34 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. They were both airlifted to UAB. 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. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. She was pronounced dead in the emergency room from multiple internal injuries. He also waived his right to a jury trial for a trial by court, according to Alabama law. Lee County Circuit Judge P.B. The teenager involved in the crash that killed Rod Bramblett and his wife, Paula, has been arrested. The 18-year-old charged in the crash that killed Auburn announcer Rod Bramblett and his wife, Paula, has been granted youthful offender status. Taylor was free on bond while charged with reckless manslaughter in the deaths of the couple. A beloved sports announcer at Auburn University and his wife have been killed. Bramblett served as The Voice of the Auburn Tigers since 2003 until his death. McLauchlin, a circuit judge, said. The teen was arrested on July 1st by the Lee County Sherriff's Office after the crash investigation and toxicology tests were completed. The Brambletts, in a 2017 Toyota Highlander, were stopped in the southbound outside lane of Shug Jordan parkway at a traffic light. Update: Motion filed to revoke bond of teen charged in connection to fatal Bramblett crash. judge in April of 2021 granted Taylor youthful offender status, Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. {{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. Taylor -- then a Lee Scott Academy student -- was traveling southbound in the outside lane on Shug Jordan Parkway approaching West Samford Avenue in his Jeep Laredo. 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. Bramblett was known by all as the "Voice of the Auburn Tigers". It is unknown if Taylor was considered impaired at the time of the accident. and he is not allowed visitors outside of immediate family members. You can cancel at any time. First and foremost, there are no words that I could say, on behalf of my client and his family that would adequately express the remorse and contrition that this child and his family feel for the loss caused to the Bramblett family as a result of this tragic accident, Spina said.