Newberry Teacher Charged with Vehicular Homicide

NEWBERRY – A 46-year-old teacher at Newberry’s Oak View Middle School has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide in connection with a February crash that killed a 29-year-old pregnant woman from Newberry, according to law enforcement officials.

Carrie Janeene Russell was placed on administrative leave by Alachua County Public Schools on Monday, May 19, following her arrest, according to district spokeswoman Jackie Johnson. The fatal crash occurred on the evening of Feb. 16, 2024, around 7:38 p.m., when a northbound pickup truck driven by the pregnant woman was struck head-on by an SUV on U.S. Highway 27/41, near Newberry. Witnesses told investigators the SUV, later identified as being driven by Russell, crossed the center line and veered approximately three feet into the northbound lane before the collision.

The victim was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Her unborn child did not survive.

A toxicology report later indicated that Russell’s blood alcohol content was 0.11, exceeding Florida’s legal limit of 0.08. The report also detected the presence of amphetamine at a concentration of 57 ng/mL. An autopsy report showed the victim tested negative for alcohol and drugs.

According to findings by the Florida Highway Patrol, Russell was solely responsible for the crash, which also caused significant damage to both vehicles.

Russell has no prior criminal history. She has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide. During a court appearance, Judge James Colaw set bail at $500,000. The judge also ordered Russell to be fitted with a transdermal alcohol monitor and to surrender her passport to her attorney.

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