Executive Summary
- Jessica Potter has been charged with first-degree homicide by vehicle for a fatal crash that occurred on July 19 in Smyrna.
- The incident resulted in the death of 51-year-old pedestrian Todd Murphy, who police say was crossing outside a crosswalk.
- According to police reports, alcoholic beverages were found in Potter’s car, and she consented to a blood test after her arrest.
- Potter was released from custody on October 30 after posting a bond valued at over $110,000.
A Smyrna woman has been charged with felony homicide by vehicle nearly four months after a crash that resulted in the death of a pedestrian. Jessica Potter was arrested in late October following an investigation into the July 19 incident that killed 51-year-old Todd Murphy.
According to the Smyrna Police Department, officers responded to the intersection of Cobb Parkway and Lake Park Drive at approximately 10 p.m. on July 19. The investigation determined that Murphy was crossing Cobb Parkway outside of a crosswalk when he was struck by a Kia Soul driven by Potter in the inside lane.
First responders found Murphy deceased at the scene. A police report noted that officers discovered alcoholic beverages inside Potter’s vehicle. A field sobriety test was administered, and Potter was taken into custody. Authorities stated that she consented to a blood test, the results of which were analyzed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
On October 29, Potter was formally charged with homicide by vehicle in the first degree. She was granted a bond of over $110,000, which was posted, leading to her release from custody on October 30. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.