Woman accused of killing Charlotte deputy in DUI crash requests competency exam
The attorney representing a woman accused of fatally striking a Charlotte County deputy has requested a competency exam for the defendant, twice denied bond.
About a month after Charlotte Circuit Judge Scott Cupp on Jan. 6 denied Cassandra Smith, 30, bond for the second time, her attorney, Zachary Cantor, is requesting a competency exam for her.
According to an arrest report from the Florida Highway Patrol, around 8:45 p.m. Nov. 22, 2022, Smith, of Lakeville, Massachusetts, was driving north on Interstate 75 near mile marker 163, in Punta Gorda, when she struck Charlotte County Deputy Christopher Taylor, 23.
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Troopers charged Smith with one count of DUI manslaughter; three counts of DUI damage to a property or person; one count of vehicular homicide; and one count of refusal to submit to a DUI test.
According to the motion filed Tuesday, Cantor alleges Smith isn't competent to stand court, saying that Smith can't appreciate the charges or allegations against her; appreciate the range and nature of the possible penalties that may be imposed; understand the adversarial nature of the legal process; disclose to counsel facts pertinent to the proceedings; behave in court; nor testify "relevantly."
Cupp approved the motion Thursday afternoon, court records indicate.
Taylor was conducting a traffic stop when the DUI driver crashed into him and the driver he pulled over, troopers said.
The deputy had emergency equipment activated and was standing with the 29-year-old man who was pulled over at 8:45 p.m. They were standing on the shoulder of the road northbound on Interstate 75 when Smith crashed.
Taylor suffered fatal injuries and died at ShorePoint Hospital, in Punta Gorda, the affidavit says.
According to the report, Smith lost control of her car and veered from the left lane. She crossed the center and right lanes, driving onto the northbound paved shoulder at high speed.
Smith rear-ended the deputy’s unoccupied cruiser, which caused a secondary collision with the pulled-over driver, the deputy and the car, according to the affidaivt.
The pulled-over driver was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. The passenger that was with him didn't sustain any injuries. Troopers didn't disclose their identities.
Smith wasn't injured. This was her second DUI arrest, as she had just finished probation for the previous DUI in August.
Court records indicate she's next due in court April 20 for a case management conference.
Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Twitter @TomasFRoBeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Charlotte County deputy dies: Woman accused will have competency exam
