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Investigators were unable to determine which of the three vehicles involved in the crash caused the fatal injuries to 17-year-old Alaysha Williams.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The woman arrested for leaving the scene of a crash that left a 17-year-old Ed White High School student dead in September will not receive any prison time.
A judge sentenced Karlotta Dowdy, 41, Wednesday to a year of house arrest, one year of community control and three years of probation for her role in the crash that killed Alaysha Williams.
Dowdy negotiated a plea deal, avoiding a maximum penalty of up to 15 years in prison.
The crash happened on Blanding Boulevard near Cedar Hills Boulevard in the early morning of Sept. 30, 2024.
Officials said that as Williams was attempting to cross Blanding Boulevard on foot, she was hit by three vehicles and taken to Orange Park Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. She died a few days later.
Dowdy was the only driver who did not stay at the scene, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives obtained footage from a nearby business showing her stopping several blocks away, checking the vehicle for damage, then driving off. She left Williams’ backpack behind, police said.
The other two drivers involved in the crash remained at the scene and were not charged because Williams was not in a crosswalk.
A spokesperson with the State Attorney’s Office said in a statement to First Coast News Wednesday that Dowdy would not have been charged if she had stayed at the scene.
The spokesperson added that investigators could not determine which car involved in the crash caused Williams’ fatal injuries.
Williams was a promising student athlete
Williams was a senior who played on the Edward H. White High School girls’ basketball team and flag football team.
As a junior, Williams averaged 9.6 points, 3.7 assists, 4.0 steals and 3.4 rebounds.
She was the starting point guard for the Commanders and served as captain of the team.
Williams was credited with helping the Commanders win the Gateway Conference flag football championship when she made the only score in the game against the Fletcher Senators. She also helped the school qualify for the Florida High School Athletic Association regional finals.
