Staff report
In Gainesville, Florida, a grave charge of vehicular homicide has been leveled against Tiffany Katara Sams, a 45-year-old resident of Williston. This development follows the revelation that Sams was under the influence of alcohol when she collided with a motorcyclist on Interstate 75 in August 2023.
The fatal incident occurred in the early hours of August 29, 2023. At approximately 12:22 a.m., Sams was piloting her sedan north along I-75 near mile marker 387 when tragedy struck. She struck a motorcyclist from St. Cloud, who had been riding in the same lane ahead of her. Following the impact, the motorcyclist was thrown onto the roadway while the motorcycle became lodged beneath Sams’ vehicle, propelling it forward another 1,500 feet. The motorcyclist succumbed to their injuries.
An investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) revealed a lack of brake marks or tire skids, suggesting that Sams did not attempt to decelerate before the crash. During a post-Miranda interview with authorities, Sams claimed she only noticed the motorcyclist at the last moment due to a supposed absence of motorcycle headlights and taillights. However, FHP’s findings contradicted her narrative, confirming that both the headlight and taillight were operational, evidenced by the presence of “hot shock” at the time of the collision.
In a decisive turn, a blood sample obtained from Sams at the accident site revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.224 g/100mL, confirming significant impairment.
A sworn complaint for vehicular homicide while intoxicated was filed in January 2026, and a warrant was issued on July 28; Sams was arrested on August 12. Sams’ address was listed as Gainesville in 2023, but she told Court Services that she has lived in Williston for the past year. She has two felony convictions (non-violent) and six misdemeanor convictions (two violent); Judge Susan Miller-Jones ordered her held without bail pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s Office to hold her without bail until trial; if the judge denies the motion, bail will be set at that hearing.
Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.