Driver charged in September crash that killed 3

TAMPA - A Tampa man is now facing multiple charges for a September crash that killed three people.

Detectives have determined 20-year-old Ernest Smith was under the influence of alcohol when he allegedly sped through the intersection of 34th Street and Chelsea Avenue last September 2.

Smith’s car collided with a 1995 Buick Century driven by 67-year-old Walter Givens. Givens and his wife Dione both died at the scene.

A second passenger, 58-year-old Helen Cummings, was ejected and later died at Tampa General Hospital.

Police say the event data recorder in Smith’s Dodge Charger showed he was going 84 miles per hour as he approached the intersection.

A blood test taken at the hospital showed he was under the influence, a Tampa police spokesman said, but his blood alcohol content was not specified.

Smith was arrested at his home Monday afternoon. He is charged with 3 counts of DUI Manslaughter and 3 counts of vehicular homicide.

Smith and two of his passengers were also hurt in the accident. He went before a judge Tuesday morning, but his first court appearance was rescheduled until Tuesday to allow his family time to hire a private attorney.