A disturbing courtroom video is making waves online after a Florida woman accused of a deadly hit-and-run showed a series of shocking reactions during her first court appearance.
Victoria Johnson, 30, appeared in court by video Friday following a crash that killed an 8-year-old boy and left a 10-year-old seriously injured in Winter Haven, Florida. The incident happened Wednesday night around 8:30 p.m. outside Faith Baptist Church.
In the widely shared clip, Johnson cycles through a range of emotions in less than two minutes — appearing stunned, laughing, shouting, and eventually breaking down in tears as the judge reads out the charges against her.
WATCH THE VIDEO BY CLICKING HERE!
Johnson now faces five criminal charges related to the crash, including leaving the scene of a crash involving death, leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury, tampering with evidence, filing a false police report, and driving with a suspended license. Her bond was set at $100,000.
At one point during the hearing, Johnson interrupted the judge and said, “I wasn’t even in the car,” speaking to someone off camera. The judge quickly warned her not to discuss the case.
Authorities say the two children had just attended a birthday celebration at Faith Baptist Church for the pastor’s 50th birthday. After the evening service, the boys were crossing the street to get cupcakes and cake when they were struck by a vehicle.
The 8-year-old boy died from his injuries.
The 10-year-old survived but suffered devastating injuries, including a compound skull fracture, a broken femur, and a broken arm. As of Friday, he remained in critical but stable condition at Arnold Palmer Hospital.
Investigators say Johnson initially tried to mislead police. On Thursday, she reportedly called authorities to claim her dark blue 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe had been stolen, telling them she had loaned it to someone the night before and the vehicle was never returned.
But when detectives began looking for the SUV, they discovered signs of damage, missing parts, and possible biological evidence.
According to investigators, Johnson later changed her story and admitted she had been driving the vehicle Wednesday night — even though her license had been suspended.
Deputies say Johnson also admitted she had used crystal meth before getting behind the wheel and described herself as a regular methamphetamine user.
In an affidavit obtained by investigators, Johnson allegedly said she thought she might have hit someone but could not clearly remember what happened.
After the crash, authorities say Johnson met up with a man, Charles Cory Stewart, 34, at a Circle K store. The two then allegedly went to a home where they used meth again before later going fishing.
Johnson reportedly told deputies she gave Stewart the SUV and asked him to get rid of it. She believed he had dumped the vehicle into a lake.
However, while deputies were transporting Johnson to a substation for questioning, they spotted the SUV being driven by Stewart.
Officers followed the vehicle to a home in Lake Wales, where Stewart and his passenger, 23-year-old Mya Bass, ran inside and refused to come out.
Both were eventually taken into custody and charged with resisting arrest.
The young boy who died was later identified as a student at Boswell Elementary School.
In a statement, Polk County Public Schools described him as a beloved member of the school community.
“This is a terribly sad day for Boswell Elementary and our community,” a spokesperson said. “He had many close friends and was well-liked by teachers and staff. He was known for his incredible spirit and smile, as well as his willingness to help others. We are heartbroken by this loss and are praying for all who knew and loved him.”
Keep her away for her own good
She looks 45. This is what someone looks like a 30 when they use meth