Prosecutors: Suspect was going 90-100 miles per hour before fatal crash at 51st and Silver Spring
Terrance Williams
MILWAUKEE -- Charges were filed Wednesday, Sept. 25 against Terrance Williams, 27, of Milwaukee, accused in connection with a fatal crash that happened in April near 51st and Silver Spring Drive.
Williams faces one count of second degree reckless homicide for the death of Jeremey Triplett, a father of three.
According to a criminal complaint, on April 20, an officer came upon the crash at 51st and Silver Spring. A green GMC Jimmy was found to have suffered extensive damage and appeared to have been hit on the driver's side. A Chevy Impala suffered damage to its front end. No one was inside the Impala.
Jeremey Triplett
The complaint said DNA evidence revealed Triplett was the driver of the GMC Jimmy. He was found in the rear passenger area of the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy revealed he suffered blunt force injuries as a result of the crash.
Two passengers from the GMC Jimmy were found at the scene, suffering from facial injuries.
According to prosecutors, Williams admitted he was driving the Impala, despite the fact that he was aware his license was suspended due to an unpaid citation.
Williams said he dropped off a friend and claimed he was going 40 miles per hour as he approached 51st and Silver Spring. However, according to the complaint, data from the airbag control module showed he was traveling at 97 miles per hour in the 35 miles per hour zone. This, five minutes before the crash. Two seconds before the crash, he was going 104. Brakes were applied one second before the crash. The speed at the start of the brake marks on the scene was estimated at 98 miles per hour, the complaint said.
Crash near 51st and Silver Spring
Jeremey Triplett
Williams said he saw flashing yellow lights at the intersection when he saw the GMC Jimmy pull into the intersection, stopping in the middle of traffic, according to prosecutors. Williams said he went into the right lane to try to avoid hitting the GMC Jimmy but ended up crashing into it. He suffered a fractured elbow in the crash.
Jeremey Triplett
Prosecutors said Williams admitted to smoking marijuana approximately 12 hours before the crash -- but said he was not high or intoxicated when the crash happened, despite drinking approximately one drink and smoking one joint. A blood draw was taken, and results showed a BAC of .05 (under the legal limit of .08) and a presence of THC. The complaint noted a Wisconsin State Crime Lab analyst determined, based upon retrograde calculations, that the BAC was between .103 and .182 at the time of the crash, therefore, "the state is reserving the right to issue homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle charges." The complaint added, "The state is reserving the right to issue an additional count of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, restricted controlled substance."
Williams made his initial appearance in court on Wednesday. Probable cause was found for further proceedings, and a $10,000 signature bond was set. A preliminary hearing was set for Oct. 3.