A Bartow Superior Court Judge advises a woman sentenced on homicide charges to speak with young people about consequences. Twenty-six-year-old Darla Ann Smith charged with vehicular homicide appeared before Judge Suzanne Smith for sentencing Tuesday. The state proposed a 15-year sentence with 8 years to serve incarcerated. Smith’s attorney ask for home confinement. Judge Suzanne Smith instead sentenced Smith to 15 years, five years to serve incarcerated. She ordered Smith to complete the state’s residential drug treatment program. Smith will serve the remainder of the time on probation following completion of the program.
In September 2018, Smith’s BMW left the roadway and crashed into a telephone power pole on Glade Road and Apache Drive killing 24-year-old, Beau Johnson of Marietta. According to reports, Johnson was trapped in the vehicle. The vehicle ignited and Johnson’s body was burned beyond recognition. Smith and bystanders’ were not able to rescue Johnson. Smith received serious but non-life-threatening injuries. She faced numerous charges including driving under the influence, homicide, and reckless driving.
Smith told law enforcement officers the vehicle left the roadway because she swerved to avoid striking a dog. Officials say the dog was already dead. Smith tested positive for alcohol and THC.
Beau Johnson’s family was not pleased with the sentence. Tune to WBHF Thursday for more on the story.