Investigators determined he had not been on his cell phone nor had he been distracted by an electronic device. Taylors case will be in the Lee County system and would go to the district court for a preliminary hearing. Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes has confirmed to Alabama News Network that the $50,000 bond was revoked this morning for Johnston Edward Taylor, who, Photo from Lee Co. Sheriffs Office The teenager charged with manslaughter in the deaths of Auburn radio announcer Rod Bramblett and his wife Paula was driving more than 30 miles over the 55mph speed limit and accelerating when he slammed into the back of the couples SUV. I think it should have been murder charges. Johnston was not impaired at the time of the accident, Spina said. "The driver appeared nervous because his hand was shaking,'' an officer wrote. The teen was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. It's hard to find the right words. The judge granted the DA's motion and ordered 16-year-old Johnston Edward Taylor to be arrested during a hearing Wednesday. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Johnston Edward Taylor, now 19, was jailed Tuesday in the Lee County lockup on a probation violation, according to jail records. Taylor was free on bond while charged with reckless manslaughter in the deaths of the couple. Following the Bramblett deaths in 2019, the report from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agencys Traffic Homicide Unit indicated that Taylors vehicle was doing 89-91 mph and that he did not brake before the crash, according to court records. That incident happened at 9:25 a.m. During the traffic stop, Hughes noted, the officer smelled marijuana in the vehicle and found marijuana residue. Lee County District Attorney Pro Tem Jessica Ventiere declined to comment on the case or motion. Many people have taken to social media to express their opinion about Taylor being charged as an adult. Now a teen is being chraged for the crime. It was one year ago that Auburn broadcaster Rod Bramblett and his wife Paula were killed in a car crash. Rod Bramblett was airlifted to UAB Birmingham, where he later died from severe head injuries. All rights reserved (About Us). The teen told first responders that he fell asleep at the wheel and had no recollection of the accident. Johnston Edward Taylor, charged as an adult with two counts of manslaughter-reckless in connection with the crash that killed Rod and Paula Bramblett, is facing another bond revocation after a motion was filed Wednesday, court documents show. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. He was arrested by police on Thursday. Johnston Edward Taylor is a16-year-old Alabama native who is being charged as an adult and facing two counts of manslaughter. Heres what you need to know about Johnston Edward Taylor and the accident that took the lives of Rod and Paula Bramblett. A toxicology analysis report from the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences indicated a blood sample from Taylor contained THC. Taylor became a suspect after APD and members of the Alabama Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force initiated an investigation on June 7. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. See additional information. Opelika police began investigating a theft of property, second degree, which allegedly occurred at Best Buy located at 2147 Tiger Town Parkway. https://auburnwire.usatoday.com/2021/04/28/johnston-edward-taylor-driver-car-killed-rod-paula-bramblett-sentenced/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The teen was arrested on July 1st by the Lee County Sherriff's Office after the crash investigation and toxicology tests were completed. None of this justifies what happened; however, it does lend itself to treatment as a Youthful Offender.. The teenager involved in the crash that killed Rod Bramblett and his wife, Paula, has been arrested. The 18-year-old charged in the crash that killed Auburn announcer Rod Bramblett and his wife, Paula, has been granted youthful offender status. Bramblett was known by all as the "Voice of the Auburn Tigers". She was pronounced dead in the emergency room at 7:50 p.m. Taylor was also treated at East Alabama Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. You can cancel at any time. Taylor told authorities he fell asleep at the wheel and did not remember what happened, according to the police report in the case. Tommy Spina, a lawyer for 16-year-old Johnston Edward Taylor, told al.com his client simply fell asleep at the wheel and wasn't impaired before the wreck which killed broadcaster Rod. Taylor was taken into custody and booked into the Lee County Jail. Dorsey said the case would be investigated and handled like any other case. The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences conducted a toxicology report and confirmed Taylor had marijuana in his system. Court records indicate that he was taken to the rehab facility before Christmas 2019. The teen was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The inquiry required a search warrant for both vehicles included a review of the scene, the automobile data extracted from each vehicles Electronic Data Recording Module, and accident reconstruction. He was then released from the facility in 2020 and his bond was re-instated with multiple bond conditions. Police said the arrest stems from an investigation that began on June 7 and was initiated by the APD and members of the Alabama Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. According to an order issued by Circuit Judge Jacob Walker III, attorney Tommy Spina and Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes agreed on terms of Taylors release. Paula Bramblett was airlifted to East Alabama Medical Center, suffering from extensive internal injuries. He was also seen spinning tires and fishtailing into an oncoming lane of travel. He is charged as an adult. On Feb. 1, the Opelika Police Department began investigating a theft of property, third degree, which occurred at 2570 Enterprise Drive, Hobby Lobby. OPELIKA, Ala. (WIAT) A trial date has been set against the teenager charged with killing a longtime Auburn broadcaster and his wife in a fatal car crash last year. A private burial service for the Bramblett family followed the memorial. If the judge believes probable cause does exist to support the arrest warrant, it would be sent to grand jury for consideration, Jones said. McLauchlin granted the now 18-year-old Taylor with youthful offender status on April 13. Under the conditions, Taylor must remain on 24/7 lockdown as his mothers home and must wear an ankle monitor. The teenager who was sentenced for the fatal crash that killed The Voice of the Auburn Tigers Rod Bramblett and his wife Paula has now been arrested on child pornography charges, according to Auburn police. The Brambletts, in a 2017 Toyota Highlander, were stopped in the southbound outside lane of Shug Jordan parkway at a traffic light. The impact caused the Jeep to hit a pedestrian and a traffic light pole before coming to a final rest. At the time of the deadly crash, Taylor was driving 89 mph, under the influence of marijuana, and still accelerating, authorities said, when he rammed into the back of the couples SUV. More than $331,000 has been collected. Auburn play-by-play announcer Rob Bramblett and his wife were involved in a tragic accident today. There was no braking, according to the report. Taylors "blood sample contained THC, which is the primary psychoactive component of marijuana, and is indicative of recent usage of marijuana at the time of the collision, records state. Photo from Lee Co. Sheriff's Office An arrest has been made in the crash that killed the Voice of the Auburn Tigers Rod Bramblett and his wife . During his years as an announcer, Bramblett won many awards. Auburn police have charged 16-year-old Johnston Edward Taylor as an adult with two counts of manslaughter. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Although his bond was revoked, Taylor was transferred from the Lee County Detention Facility to a rehabilitation facility for treatment. The order was made public at 4:24 p.m. At the time of the accident the defendant was a 16-year-old teenager with no prior criminal history, who had smoked or used marijuana and had been diagnosed with marijuana use disorder,' McLauchlin wrote. The impact caused the Jeep to hit a pedestrian crossing signal and a traffic light before coming to a final rest. Johnston Taylor, 19, is behind bars as of Thursday night at the Lee County Detention Center. The teen was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. As terrible as this crime is, I have a problem with anyone under 18 being charged as an adult for any reason, Chris Wiliams commented. However, Alabama law says once a person reaches the age of 18 theyre considered an adult in regard to criminal prosecution.. A post shared by Rod Bramblett (@voiceofautigers) on Jul 1, 2015 at 10:46am PDT. None of this justifies what happened; however, it does lend itself to treatment as a Youthful Offender. Youthful offender cases are sealed and the outcomes are not released to the public.Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones said Friday that Taylor was released from custody in Lee County on Oct. 6, 2021, and was transported to Department of Corrections in Kilby, Ala. At the time of the deadly crash, Taylor was driving 89 mph in a 55-mph zone, under the influence of marijuana, and still accelerating, authorities said, when he rammed into the back of the couples SUV. Johnston Edward Taylor, charged as an adult with two counts of manslaughter-reckless in connection with the crash that killed Rod and Paula Bramblett, is facing a another bond revocation after a . McLauchlin, a retired Dale County Judge appointed to Taylors case by the Alabama Supreme Court after numerous Lee County judges recused themselves from presiding over the case, documents show. Taylors blood sample contained THC, which is the primary psychoactive component of marijuana, and is indicative of recent usage of marijuana at the time of the collision, records state. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). The Brambletts vehicle was pushed into the intersection and through the opposing lanes of traffic before coming to a final rest on the curb. People share memories, thoughts on Rod Bramblett. UPDATE: On July 1, 2019, 16-year-old Johnston Edward Taylor was arrested and charged with two counts of manslaughter in the deaths of Rod and Paula Bramblett. On Jan. 16, 2020, Taylor was indicted by a Lee County grand jury on two counts of. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. A Lee County grand jury has indicted a 16-year-old charged in the crash that killed Auburn announcer Rod Bramblett and his wife, Paula. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. He was also arrested in June of this year on six counts of possession of child pornography. Like the Brambletts, Taylor is also from Alabama, where the accident took. Bramblett and his wife Paula were killed in a car accident on Saturday night. Taylor told police that he fell asleep while driving and did not remember what happened, according to the traffic-crash report. Alabama Law Enforcement Agencys Traffic Homicide Unit determined after an investigation on June 28 that Taylor was driving 89-91 mph when the accident happened. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. None of this justifies what happened; however, it does lend itself to treatment as a Youthful Offender.. He said Taylor told authorities he was on his way home from the lake after spending the day with a friend and her family, that he was tired and fell asleep, remembered only a loud crash, his vehicle spinning and smoke everywhere. You have permission to edit this article. Johnston Edward Taylor, charged with manslaughter in the May 25, 2019 deaths of the Brambletts, had is bond revoked Dec. 18. As far as any relationships or any rumors, of course, Im not going to get into that at all, speculate or make other comments, Captain Lorenza Dorsey said when asked specifically about the drivers possible connection to the police department. The Brambletts vehicle was pushed into the intersection and through the opposing lanes of traffic before coming to a final rest on the curb. The defense described the motion to revoke Taylors bond as a last minute hail Mary to try to put the defendant in jail and prejudice the court in its Y.O. ", The following day, on Nov. 25, Taylor was cited by Auburn police for speeding and reckless driving. Johnston Edward Taylor, charged with manslaughter in the May 25, 2019 deaths of the Brambletts, had is bond revoked Dec. 18. At the age of 16, Taylor was the driver in the Shug Jordan Parkway crash that killed Rod Bramblett, the lead broadcaster for Auburn University athletics, and his wife Paula on May 25, 2019. Updated: Apr. The Auburn Police Division said in a statement that Johnston Edward Taylor of Auburn was arrested at his home on Monday. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. MORE ABOUT THE CASE:Teen charged in crash that killed Rod and Paula Bramblett granted youthful offender status, BRAMBLETT:Auburn has lost its voice, but memories of Rod Bramblett will never be forgotten, At the time of the accident, the defendant was a 16-year-old teenager with no prior criminal history, who had smoked or used marijuana and had been diagnosed with marijuana use disorder, the order signed in 2021 by P.B. According to. Opelika police have arrested an Opelika High School teacher under a charge of soliciting a sex act with a student under the age of 19. Rod Bramblett was loved by all of Auburn University. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. Opelika police have arrested an Opelika High School teacher under a charge of soliciting a sex act with a student under the age of 19. The 17-year-old charged in the crash that killed Auburn announcer Rod Bramblett and his wife, Paula, is being released on bond and into home confinement. May Paula & Rod RIP https://t.co/3Q1NyfigMI, Dick Vitale (@DickieV) 26 de mayo de 2019. Police say Taylor's arrest stems from an investigation by Auburn. OMG so heartbreaking to read about this tragic car accident that took the lives of Paula & Rod Bramblett the legendary voice for years of @AuburnTigers Prayers go out to his family & friends plus for others that were injured . Heavy.comreports that the fatal crash happened just after 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 25. If Taylor makes bond, Jones said, the next step would be a preliminary hearing, which the defendant has the choice to waive or not. Taylor -- then a 16-year-old Lee Scott Academy student -- was traveling south in the outside lane on Shug Jordan Parkway approaching West Samford Avenue in his Jeep Laredo. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Taylor's Jeep then hit a pedestrian crossing signal and traffic light. Paula Bramblett, 53, was airlifted from the scene but had to be diverted to East Alabama Medical Center due to the severity of her injuries. A judge in April of 2021 granted Taylor youthful offender status in the manslaughter cases. Additionally, the judge ordered, Taylor must follow a strict 14-day COVID-19 quarantine. Paula Bramblett, 53, was airlifted from the scene but had to be diverted to East Alabama Medical Center due to the severity of her injuries. Taylors blood sample contained THC, which is the primary psychoactive component of marijuana, and is indicative of recent usage of marijuana at the time of the collision, records state. Taylor, who is 19 years old now, was 16 at the time of the crash that occurred May 25, 2019. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Taylor was booked into the Lee County Jail with bond set at $60,000. A motion was filed in court Wednesday afternoon to revoke the bond of Johnston Taylor, now 18. Auburn police and the Alabama Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force launched an investigation on June 7, Assistant Chief Clarence Stewart announced late Thursday night. You have permission to edit this article. THC is the primary psychoactive component of marijuana and is indicative of recent usage of marijuana at the time of the collision on May 25, the affidavit reads. It was just after 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2019 when the Brambletts were killed. The report from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agencys Traffic Homicide Unit indicated that Taylors vehicle was doing 89-91 mph and that he did not brake before the crash, according to the affidavit. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. At the age of 16, Taylor was the. He is still facing another possible bond revocation. Auburn police announced the arrest of 16-year-old Johnston Edward Taylor. First and foremost, there are no words that I could say, on behalf of my client and his family that would adequately express the remorse and contrition that this child and his family feel for the loss caused to the Bramblett family as a result of this tragic accident, Spina said. Johnston Edward Taylor, the teenage-driver of the car that killed Rod Bramblett and his wife, Paula, on May 25, 2019 has been sentenced, per AL.com. Rod Bramblett known as the Voice of the Auburn Tigers was the lead broadcaster for Auburn University athletics for many years before his death. Johnston Edward Taylor, the teenage-driver of the car that killed Rod Bramblett and his wife, Paula, on May 25, 2019 has been sentenced, per AL.com. Speeding and on a drug. The officer told Taylor he smelled marijuana and Taylor told them he had not smoked marijuana since May. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Johnston had been without sleep for a period of time leading up to the day of the accident. He spent the entire day on Lake Martin with his girlfriends family, Spina said. The video board shows the faces of Rod and Paula Bramblett during a memorial service celebrating the lives of Rod and Paula Bramblett, Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Auburn Arena. Taylor filed a youthful offender status application in July 2020 and had his hearing on the application Tuesday, according to court records. She was pronounced dead in the emergency room from multiple internal injuries. On Monday, Auburn police announced that they had arrested 16-year-old Johnston Edward Taylor on two counts of manslaughter in the incident and that he was being . Thoughts and prayers? That will allow him to, Photo from Lee Co. Sheriffs Office The teenage driver charged in the fatal wreck that killed The Voice of the Auburn Tigers Rod Bramblett and his wife Paula in May has had his bond revoked. Please consult your doctor before taking any action. According to authorities, Taylor was driving between 89 and 91 mph when he slammed into the back of the couples SUV. Auburn police previously ruled out the use of a phone as a contributing factor in the cause of the crash and previously said alcohol was not a factor. Auburn police and the Alabama Internet Crimes Against. I dont know exactly how it will proceed at this point, Jones told the Opelika-Auburn News on Friday. 53-year-old RodBramblett and his 52-year-old wife Paula Bramblett diedon May 25th after a big accident where someonerear-ended their car. Taylor told police that he fell asleep while driving and did not remember what happened, according to the traffic-crash report. Absolutely horrible news out of Alabama tonight. He is charged with two counts of manslaughter and was being held at the Lee . Taylor told the officer he was the person who accidentally crashed into the Brambletts. Lauren Margolis is a writer who covers astrology, pop culture, entertainment news and relationship topics. He also passed all drug except recently in March 2021 when he tested positive for alcohol. Taylor asked if officers wanted to see it, and we declined, an officer wrote. Latest news and commentary on Johnston Edward Taylor including photos, videos, quotations, and a biography. Manslaughter is the correct charge and if convicted he needs to do the time and have a Permanent adult record. Jeff Tommie Sartain posted. A GoFundMe page was created to help the couples two children, Shelby, and Joshua, move forward with lifes expenses. Shelby, 20, is a sophomore at Auburn University and Joshua, 15, will be entering the tenth grade at Auburn High School in the fall. He was initially released on $50,000 bond. Johnston Edward Taylor, now 19, was arrested Thursday on felony warrants charging with six counts of possession of child pornography. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Unreal the number of clueless people making excuses for the person who killed two people. Youth offender cases are sealed, so the outcome of that case is not made public. He was charged as an adult, but Taylor was granted youthful offender status on April 13, 2021, at the age of 18, after applying for it in July of 2020. According to Auburn police, Johnston Edward Taylor, 19, has been charged with six counts of possession of child pornography. RIP to a humble yet powerful voice. It was just after 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2019 when the Brambletts were killed. A youthful offender in the state of Alabama is classified as a person under the age of 21. No additional details about the alleged crimes have yet been made public. He smashed into the back right bottom of the SUV, pushing their car into the opposite lanesof traffic. Opelika police began investigating a theft of property, second degree, which allegedly occurred at Best Buy located at 2147 Tiger Town Parkway. If the application is approved, the applicant would have a reduced range of punishment to a maximum sentence of 3 years. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. By Lauren Margolis Written on Jul 08, 2019. The Opelika Police Department Narcotics Unit has made 14 arrests within a time span of about three weeks while investigating reports of illega, Auburn Police Departments Narcotics and Investigations Section arrested a Georgia man in connection to a suspected drug overdose death that i. All results are indicative of previous heavy drinking 1-3 days before test or recent light drinking within the past 24 hours,' wrote Lee County Assistant District Attorney James L. Farmer. Visitors in his home will be restricted to immediate family members. Taylor thanked me for writing him a citation and was released from the scene. Johnston Edward Taylor is charged with manslaughter in the May 25, 2019 deaths of the Brambletts. Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes is asking that Johnston Edward Taylor's bond be revoked since he has gotten two speeding tickets and one reckless driving citation since the deadly accident seven months ago. Johnston Edward Taylor, 16, of Auburn, was arrested at his home Monday on manslaughter charges, then taken to the Lee County Jail where bond was set at $50,000. Within the Auburn community, theres been a mixed response concerning Taylors arrest. The Opelika Police Department Narcotics Unit has made 14 arrests within a time span of about three weeks while investigating reports of illega, Auburn Police Departments Narcotics and Investigations Section arrested a Georgia man in connection to a suspected drug overdose death that i. Did OJ Simpson's Son Jason Kill Nicole Brown & Ron Goldman? A year ago, on May 25, 2019, he and, Photo from Lee Co. Sheriffs Office A judge in Lee County is allowing the teenager charged in the wreck that killed Auburn University broadcaster Rod Bramblett and his wife Paula to be released to home confinement. He can be reached via email at rsilva@gannett.com or on Twitter @rich_silva18. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Taylor -- then a 16-year-old Lee Scott Academy student -- was traveling south in the outside lane on Shug Jordan Parkway approaching West Samford Avenue in his Jeep Laredo. Lee County Circuit Judge P.B. Teen arrested for Rod & Paula Bramblett deaths. If Taylor waives the hearing, it would go straight to grand jury. Johnston Taylor, indicted for manslaughter in Bramblett deaths, jailed Thursday on child pornography charges. The posted speed limit for the section of Shug Jordan Parkway where the crash occurred was 55 mph. At that time, he was transported by deputies to a treatment facility . The Auburn Police Department has arrested Johnston Edward Taylor, 19, on felony warrants charging him with six counts of possession of child pornography. Rod Bramblett, 52 and the driver of the Highlander, was airlifted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, where he later died from a closed head injury. The Auburn Police Department has arrested Johnston Edward Taylor, 19, on felony warrants charging him with six counts of possession of child pornography. On Feb. 1, the Opelika Police Department began investigating a theft of property, third degree, which occurred at 2570 Enterprise Drive, Hobby Lobby. Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Taylor told first reponders that he had no recollection of what happened because he said he fell asleep at the wheel. Taylor -- then a Lee Scott Academy student -- was traveling southbound in the outside lane on Shug Jordan Parkway approaching West Samford Avenue in his Jeep Laredo. Teenager charged with manslaughter. Rest In Peace to them but that CHILD does not need to go to prison, Abbie Newman wrote on Facebook. Birmingham attorney Tommy Spina has been retained to represent Taylor and spoke with AL.com on Wednesday evening. According to WRBL, hundreds of members from the Auburn community attended the May 30 Celebration of Life service for the Brambletts. Taylor was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The speed limit there was 55 mph. While the Brambletts were stopped at a red light, Taylor rear-ended their Toyota Highlander with his Jeep. He also was prohibited from use of any social media and must continue mental health and drug treatment therapy. At the time of the accident the defendant was a 16-year-old teenager with no prior criminal history, who had smoked or used marijuana and had been diagnosed with marijuana use disorder, McLauchlin wrote in his order.