Drunk Driver That Killed Vikings Khyree Jackson Pleads Guilty
In a case that has been a gut-wrenching reminder of how fragile life is, the driver responsible for the crash that killed former Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson and two of his friends has pleaded guilty. The whole situation is just a tragedy, ending promising lives far too soon and leaving a gaping hole in the hearts of families and a community.
The Driver Involved
Cori Clingman, 25, entered a guilty plea to three counts of negligent homicide while under the influence of alcohol. This plea comes months after a horrific July 6th crash in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, that stole the lives of Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson, Isaiah Hazel, and Anthony Lytton Jr. The three young men, all former high school teammates with bright futures, were gone in an instant.
What Happened That Night?
Details from the investigation paint a grim picture of recklessness. Around 3 a.m., Clingman was allegedly flying down the road in her Infiniti Q50 at speeds topping 100 mph, all while intoxicated. According to reports, she made an aggressive lane change and slammed into the Dodge Charger carrying Jackson, Hazel, and Lytton. The impact sent their car careening off the road where it struck several tree stumps, a brutal and final end to their journey.
What makes this even more senseless is that everyone involved was apparently coming from the same place. Friends, traveling in separate cars, their night ending in an unthinkable disaster because of one person’s catastrophic decisions. Clingman and her two passengers walked away without a scratch. The driver of a third car involved was also uninjured. But three families were shattered forever.
The Legal Aftermath and a Pathetic Sentence
Clingman initially faced a laundry list of 13 charges. Now, thanks to a plea deal, that’s been whittled down to just three counts of negligent homicide. The prosecution is recommending a five-year sentence for each count, but here’s the kicker: they’ve agreed to suspend all but one year for each, to be served consecutively.
Do the math. That’s a grand total of three years in prison. Three years. One year for each life lost. It feels less like justice and more like a slap on the wrist. A 25-year-old woman gets to press pause on her life for a few years after permanently deleting three others. It’s a tough pill to swallow for anyone who believes in accountability. Her sentencing is scheduled for February 4, where a judge will decide whether to accept this recommendation. Until then, she’s on home detention.
Prince George’s County Attorney Tara Jackson acknowledged the painful reality, stating,
“While today’s plea brings a measure of accountability, I know that it cannot ease the heartbreak or bring back Khyree, Isaiah, and Anthony, whose lives were lost in this devastating crash.”
Remembering Khyree Jackson and a Teammate’s Tribute
Khyree Jackson was just getting started. A standout corner at both Alabama and Oregon, he was drafted by the Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He was living the dream that millions of kids have, only to have it snatched away before he could even truly begin.
But his impact is still felt. In a touching gesture that shows the brotherhood of the sport, Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold, a former Alabama teammate, honored Jackson after a game against the Vikings.
It was a moment bigger than football. It was a classy, heartfelt tribute that served as another painful reminder of the incredible person and teammate the world lost. It’s a story of brotherhood and loss, a stark contrast to the legal proceedings that feel hollow and insufficient. Three years just doesn’t seem to cover the cost of three lives.
