RICHMOND, Va. -- Richmond Police Officer Richard D. Johnson was charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter in connection to an April crash that killed two teenagers in South Richmond.
Jeremiah Ruffin, 18, was killed on April 7, 2022, when Officer Johnson's cruiser collided with Ruffin's car at the intersection of Bells and Castlewood roads.
Ruffin's girlfriend, 19-year-old Tracey Williams, was in the car too. She later died in the hospital from injuries sustained in the crash.
A special grand jury met on Monday and returned a "True Bill" on four indictments against Officer Johnson, according to Richmond Commonwealth Attorney Colette McEachin.
"A special grand jury is just like a grand jury with the exception that they are just focused on one task of investigating and indicting if they deem it appropriate," CBS6 legal expert Todd Stone said.
Johnson was charged with the following:
- One felony indictment is for the involuntary manslaughter of Mr. Jeremiah Ruffin
- One felony indictment is for the involuntary manslaughter of Ms. Tracey Williams
- One misdemeanor indictment is for failure to yield right of way
- One misdemeanor indictment is for reckless driving
He will be arraigned at a future date in Richmond Circuit Court.
"The evidence about whether emergency lights and sirens were engaged will make all the difference in the world. The felony charge here requires gross negligence, a higher version of negligence, while the reckless driving is just negligence and a lower burden to prove," Stone said.
Tracy Walker, the Public Affairs Director for RPD, said that Officer Johnson is on unpaid leave at this time. The police administrative process will happen after the criminal process is finished.
"The circumstances surrounding this accident are unfortunate and our hearts go out to all those involved in this tragic accident. We continue to pray for the families and their healing," Walker said in a Tuesday email.
The case will be up to a judge or a jury to decide. Stone believes that the offer could suffer from extra scrutiny.
"They may find it a little more aggravated to have a trainee in the vehicle. Essentially, it'll come down to why did it happen? Was it a matter of not paying attention, a lapse in judgment? Or was something else going on?"
The death of the two teens drew an emotional reaction from the community and those who knew them.
Dozens gathered for a vigil for Jeremiah in April at the intersection where the crash happened.
He was remembered as someone with a big heart who was very giving and was active in his church, his family said. A vigil was also held for Williams at the same intersection.
Family members also were vocal throughout the investigation, calling for transparency and to see any dashcam or body cam related to the crash.
Richmond Police conducted an investigation into the crash, which concluded in May. At the end of their investigation, they decided to turn the full investigation over to the Commonwealth's Attorney for review and next steps.
At a press conference at the end of April, Richmond Police Chief Gerald Smith said "we will not speak on it" when asked if his office had been able to determine if proper protocol was followed in an officer-involved crash that killed two teenagers in South Richmond.
Problem Solver Melissa Hipolit asked Smith if he had been able to watch the video recorded from the officers' body-worn camera.
"Next question please," the chief responded. "That's my answer. It's going to be the same answer."
Smith said the officers were headed to a code one burglary in progress call.
He said they had been authorized to run blue lights and a siren.
It was unclear whether the officers had their lights and sirens activated at the time of the crash.
This is a developing story, so anyone with more information can email newstips@wtvr.com to send a tip.
