3 victims identifed in deadly West Alabama street race; 2 drivers now in custody
By Carol Robinson | crobinson@al.com
Greene County, AL
Authorities today released the identities of a man, woman and toddler killed Saturday night during a street race in Greene County.
Nine other people, including three children, were injured and authorities say all those killed and hurt were bystanders. The drivers of the two cars involved in the race are now in custody, said Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Trooper Reginal King.
The crash happened at 5:30 p.m. on Greene County 231 near Eutaw. Those killed were: Rodney Hutton, 30; Jalesa Kiara Merritt, 22; and 3-year-old Jhayden Pippen. All three lived in Eutaw.
Hutton and Jhayden were taken to Greene County Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Merritt was airlifted to DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, where she was pronounced dead.
Nine others including children ages 6, 7 and 9 received medical treatment from area hospitals.
King said the preliminary investigation shows a street race between and Oldsmobile Cutlass and a Chevrolet Monte Carlo was taking place when the crash happened. Both drivers fled the scene after the crash.
Hutton, Merritt and Jhayden were all struck by the Cutlass, which was driven by 22-year-old Maruice Devonte Wedgeworth, also of Eutaw. Wedgeworth was taken into custody just before midnight when he turned himself in to troopers at a hospital. He is being held at the Greene County Jail pending the ongoing investigation, King said.
The driver of the Chevrolet, whose name hasn't yet been released, was taken into custody in Huntsville. He is being transported back to Greene County.
Authorities said the investigation is continuing, and they hope to release additional information on Monday.