At a Glance
- Illinois driver charged after killing TikTok livestreaming pedestrian.
- Charged with reckless homicide and aggravated use of a communications device resulting in death.
- Surveillance shows vehicle entered red intersection without slowing or changing course.
- Why it matters: It shows legal accountability for driving while livestreaming.
An Illinois driver was charged after she struck and killed a pedestrian while livestreaming on TikTok. The case highlights the legal risks of using a phone while driving.
The Incident
A video circulating on TikTok shows Tynesha McCarty-Wroten, known as Tea Tyme, speaking into her phone after a loud thud. An off-screen child asks, “What was that?” She replies, “I hit somebody.” Surveillance footage later revealed her vehicle entered a red intersection without slowing or changing course, striking Darren Lucas, who later died at the hospital.
Legal Charges
Local police have charged McCarty-Wroten with two felonies: reckless homicide and aggravated use of a communications device resulting in death. The charges stem from the fatal collision while she was livestreaming. Prosecutors argue the use of the device contributed to the accident.
- Charges: reckless homicide, aggravated use of a communications device resulting in death.
Court Response
McCarty-Wroten’s lawyer maintains that the evidence will demonstrate the incident was an accident and a negligent act, not intentional or reckless. The lawyer says the driver did not act recklessly, and the case should be treated as a negligence claim.
McCarty-Wroten’s lawyer stated:
> “what happened was an accident, was a negligent act, but was not an intentional or reckless act.”
Key Takeaways
- The driver faces two felony charges linked to the fatal collision.
- The incident occurred while the driver was livestreaming on TikTok.
- The lawyer argues the case is an accident, not a reckless act.
The case underscores how social media activity can intersect with traffic safety and legal accountability.
