An Illinois driver was charged with felonies after allegedly striking and killing a pedestrian while livestreaming on TikTok. Tynesha McCarty-Wroten, known as Tea Tyme on TikTok, faces charges of reckless homicide and aggravated use of a communications device resulting in death. The Zion Police Department filed the charges.
The incident occurred when McCarty-Wroten's vehicle allegedly entered an intersection against a red light. Surveillance footage reportedly showed no attempt to slow down before hitting Darren Lucas. Lucas was later pronounced dead at a hospital. A video circulating on TikTok purportedly shows McCarty-Wroten speaking into her phone when a loud thud is heard. An offscreen child asks, "What was that?" and the woman replies, "I hit somebody."
The case raises concerns about distracted driving and the use of social media while operating a vehicle. Legal experts suggest this incident could further fuel the debate around the responsibilities of social media platforms in monitoring user behavior that could lead to real-world harm.
McCarty-Wroten's lawyer told the New York Times that the incident was an accident, a negligent act, but not intentional or reckless.
McCarty-Wroten is expected to appear in court soon. The investigation is ongoing.
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