A shocking video shows Victoria Johnson, 30, a Florida woman high on methamphetamine, reacting with disbelief, laughter, anger, and tears as she faced charges in a hit-and-run crash that killed an 8-year-old boy and seriously injured a 10-year-old.
Johnson appeared via video conference for her first court hearing on Friday, where she faced five charges related to the crash outside Faith Baptist Church in Winter Haven, Florida, on Wednesday evening around 8:30 p.m. The children had been crossing the street to get cupcakes after a church service celebrating the pastor’s 50th birthday when they were struck.
The 8-year-old boy died from his injuries, while the 10-year-old sustained a compound skull fracture, a broken femur, and a broken arm, and remained in critical but stable condition at Arnold Palmer Hospital.
During the hearing, Johnson displayed a range of emotions, interrupting the judge while bond was being set. Her total bond was $100,000. At one point, she told someone off camera, “I wasn’t even in the car,” prompting a stern warning not to discuss the case.
Authorities said Johnson initially told police that her dark blue 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe had been stolen, claiming she had loaned it to someone on Wednesday night. A preliminary search revealed damage, missing parts, and potential biological matter, according to detectives. Johnson later admitted to driving the vehicle herself, despite knowing her license was suspended, and confirmed she had used meth before the crash.
She told deputies she did not remember if she had hit anyone. After the crash, Johnson met codefendant Charles Cory Stewart, 34, at a Circle K store. The pair went to a house, used meth again, then went fishing. Johnson later gave Stewart the SUV, believing he had disposed of it in a lake.
While deputies were taking Johnson for questioning, Stewart was seen driving the Hyundai with passenger Mya Bass, 23. Both resisted arrest before being taken into custody and charged with resisting arrest.
Johnson faces charges including leaving the scene of a crash involving death, leaving the scene of a crash involving serious injury, tampering with evidence, filing a false police report, and driving with a suspended license. Stewart and Bass made their first court appearances on Friday, with bond set for both.
A Polk County schools spokesperson confirmed that the boy who died was a student at Boswell Elementary. “This is a terribly sad day for Boswell Elementary and our community. He had many close friends at school and was well-liked by all teachers and staff. He was known for his incredible spirit and smile, as well as his willingness to help others. We are heartbroken by this loss and praying for all who knew and loved this little boy,” the statement said.