Florida driver charged in fatal hit-and-run, laughs in court

Victoria Johnson, 30, faces multiple charges after killing an 8-year-old boy and severely injuring a 10-year-old while high on meth

Mar. 15, 2026 at 3:27pm

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A Florida woman has been charged with a horrific hit-and-run crash that killed an 8-year-old boy and left a 10-year-old fighting for his life. Victoria Johnson, 30, reacted with stunned disbelief, laughter, and tears during her first court appearance, where she was held on $100,000 bond. Johnson initially claimed her car had been stolen, but later admitted to driving under the influence of methamphetamine at the time of the crash.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences of impaired driving and the need for stronger enforcement and penalties to deter such reckless behavior. The loss of a young life and the severe injury to another child have devastated the local community, raising concerns about public safety and the need for improved road infrastructure and traffic calming measures around schools and churches.

The details

On Wednesday evening, the two child victims were crossing the street outside a church in Winter Haven, Florida to get cupcakes and cakes when they were struck by Johnson's vehicle. The 8-year-old boy died from his injuries, while the 10-year-old suffered a compound skull fracture, broken femur, and broken arm. Johnson initially reported her car as stolen, but later admitted to driving under the influence of methamphetamine at the time of the crash. She met up with two co-defendants, Charles Cory Stewart and Mya Bass, after the incident and they attempted to hide the damaged vehicle.

  • On Wednesday around 8:30 p.m., the two child victims were struck by Johnson's vehicle outside a church.
  • On Thursday, Johnson reported her car as stolen, but later changed her story and admitted to driving under the influence.
  • On Friday, Johnson, Stewart, and Bass made their first court appearances, where Johnson was held on $100,000 bond.

The players

Victoria Johnson

A 30-year-old Florida woman charged with multiple counts, including leaving the scene of a crash involving death and driving with a suspended license, after killing an 8-year-old boy and severely injuring a 10-year-old while high on methamphetamine.

Charles Cory Stewart

A 34-year-old co-defendant of Johnson's who was charged with resisting arrest after attempting to hide the damaged vehicle.

Mya Bass

A 23-year-old co-defendant of Johnson's who was charged with resisting arrest along with Stewart.

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What they’re saying

“I wasn't even in the car,”

— Victoria Johnson (FOX 13 Tampa Bay)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Johnson to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for stronger measures to combat impaired driving and protect vulnerable road users, especially children, in Florida communities. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of the state's bail system and whether reforms are necessary to prevent repeat offenders from being released and causing further harm.