She steered trying to avoid cars slowing at a traffic light when she rear-ended two cars, pushing one auto into oncoming traffic.
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Investigators have determined the Olympic gold medal victor formerly known as Bruce Jenner was traveling at an “unsafe speed” for the prevailing conditions and that the infraction caused the collision and might be grounds for a misdemeanor manslaughter charge, a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department source told The News Thursday. “The totality of the circumstances surrounding the accident will be relevant to the jury’s determination, including factors such as what the traffic was like, whether there was adequate lighting, and whether the road was slippery”. He said Jenner would more likely face a fine or probation – or even an ultimately lesser charge such as driving too fast for conditions.
A spokesperson told “Access Hollywood Live” that the case will be presented to the District Attorney [DA], and the DA will decide whether to press charges or to investigate the case further.
Jenner’s attorney, Philip Boesch, told City News Service in July he believes the surveillance video weighs in Jenner’s favor and confirmed that the crash “was simply a tragic accident”.
The lawsuit by Dana Redmond and William Howe does not specify how much they are seeking. The driver of the Prius, Jessica Steindorff filed a personal injury suit against Caitlyn, aka Bruce, of “negligently, carelessly, recklessly, and wantonly drove, managed, maintained, controlled, operated, and entrusted their motor vehicle”.
Variety reported that LAPD Lt. Shaun Mathers said there was a “50/50” chance the I Am Cait star could be charged with misdemeanor manslaughter.
Jenner’s transition has played out in public over the past several months.
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Shortly after the February crash, Jenner released a statement saying, “My heartfelt and deepest sympathies go out to the family and loves ones, and to all of those who were involved or injured in this bad accident”. She’s vowed to use her to celebrity platform to urge acceptance for others who are transgender.
