Over two years following a deadly accident that claimed the lives of two women from Durham, the driver involved admitted guilt in a Durham County court room on Wednesday.
Armanta Lamont Tyler, aged 28 from Raleigh, has been ordered to serve at least four years and eleven months up to a maximum of five years and eleven months behind bars for the fatalities of Cornisha Shaw, 24, and Courtney Simms, 23, which occurred on October 28, 2022, according to legal papers.
Shaw and Simms were killed and Tyler was seriously injured in the late-night crash, which occurred at 11:49 p.m. on Fayetteville Street near Timothy Avenue when the trio’s 2017 Audi ran off the road and hit a tree, The News & Observer previously reported Police indicated back then that excessive speed seemed to contribute to the accident.
Tyler was apprehended nearly three months after the incident on multiple felonies including two counts of death by motor vehicle, two charges of assault with a deadly weapon causing severe harm, as well as offenses for driving under the influence, reckless operation of a vehicle, and excessive speed, according to The N&O.
On Wednesday, he entered a guilty plea to the two felony charges of death by auto. The remaining five charges were dropped as part of the agreement for his plea, according to court documents.
According to an order signed by Judge Leonard L. Wiggins, as part of his sentencing, Tyler is required to undergo a mental health evaluation and be screened for substance abuse issues. Additionally, he has been suggested for participation in a work-release program during his incarceration period.
Court documents indicate that Tyler had faced multiple charges related to driving in North Carolina before these incidents.
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In 2018, charges of operating without a valid license and possessing a revoked one in Durham County were dropped sinceTyler actually held a current license.
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In 2013, charges of operating without a license and hitting and running, resulting in property damage, in Wake County were dropped as the law enforcement officer who filed the charges failed to appear in court.
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In 2015, Tyler admitted guilt for speeding at 79 mph in a zone with a speed limit of 70 mph in Wake County.
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In 2015, there was an accusation of driving with a revoked license in Wake Forest, but it was dismissed for unspecified reasons.
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In 2016, a charge for driving at 73 mph in a 55 mph zone in Wake Forest was dropped "in the interest of justice."
Information about Simms' life wasn't accessible to the public. Shaw, who hailed from Edgecombe County, was a senior at N.C. Central University studying biology with aspirations of becoming a veterinarian, as reported. memorial post from the school.
The post notes that according to her professors, she was an engaged student who added joy to the classroom and frequently took the chance to amuse her fellow Eagles. "She will be recalled for her radiant smile and optimistic attitude, which inspired others to face life with love and genuineness," the statement reads.
Shaw completed his studies at Rocky Mount Senior High School in 2016, as stated. her obituary She is leaves behind her parents, maternal grandparents, paternal grandmother, and a brother and sister.