Caitlyn Jenner is likely to be charged with vehicular manslaughter in the death of 69-year-old Kim Howe. Los Angeles investigators are recommending the District Attorney bring charges against Jenner, according to the Los Angeles Times.
In February, Caitlyn (then-Bruce) Jenner was hauling a trailer with his Cadillac Escalade when he swerved to avoid traffic backed up on the Pacific Coast Highway and rear-ended a Lexus and a Prius. That started a chain-reaction that resulted in a Hummer rear-ending the Lexus and killing Howe.
But would prosecutors actually be able convict Jenner? Since her external appearance was that of Bruce Jenner, what witness could identify her as the person driving the Escalade?
“It should be an interesting trial since none of the witnesses should be able to ID Caityln as the person driving the vehicle at the time or recognize the defendant,” said Evan. E. Zelig, a criminal defense attorney in Santa Rosa, Calif.
While the term “vehicular manslaughter” sounds bad, it’s a low-level crime, essentially meaning that unsafe driving led to a death. The typical sentence is a year in jail but it’s unlikely Caitlyn Jenner will do any time in jail.
But there will be a trial of Caitlyn Jenner. And where Caitlyn goes, the cameras of “I Am Cait,” Jenner’s reality TV show, are sure to be close behind.
“I cannot pretend to imagine what this family is going through at this time. I am praying for them,” Caitlyn has said.
“It is a devastating tragedy and I cannot pretend to imagine what this family is going through at this time,” Jenner said in a statement in February. “I am praying for them. I will continue to cooperate in every way possible.”
Investigators reviewed video from a transit bus and pictures taken by paparazzi, conducted interviews, went through the cars’ computers, and checked cellphone records. Amazingly for L.A., no one involved was on the phone.
Police initially said that Caitlyn would not be charged since Jenner was not texting or talking.
And there although Caitlyn may not do jail time, there will be more trials to come. Howe’s family is suing Jenner, charging that Caitlyn was “negligent, careless and reckless” in in the accident. And the driver of the Prius, Jessica Steindorff, is also suing for damages.
Meanwhile, on reality TV, Khloe Kardashian locked horns with Caitlyn over some “tough texts” she sent Caitlyn over her interview in Vanity Fair. According to the Mirror, Khloe broke down in tears before the on-camera confrontation.
