Jalen Carter: Everything we know about top NFL prospect charged with racing in fatal car crash

Defensive tackle from Florida was set to be first player picked in NFL draft

Top NFL prospect Jalen Carter has had warrants issued for his arrest over a street race that killed a University of Georgia teammate and staff member last month.

Police in Athens-Clarke County allege that the football star raced his 2021 Jeep Trackhawk against the 2021 Ford Expedition driven by recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy, 24, on 15 January.

Devin Willock, an offensive lineman for the Bulldogs, and LeCroy were killed in what police initially called a single-vehicle accident.

Who is Jalen Carter?

Carter, a 21-year-old defensive tackle, is the number one prospect in the upcoming NFL draft, according to ESPN’s Mel Kuiper, and is currently at the NFL combine in Indianapolis.

The 6ft 3 football star, who weighs 310 pounds, joined the University of Georgia team in 2020 after playing high school ball in Apopka, Florida.

Since joining the Bulldogs he has helped the team win two national championships.

Why has he been arrested?

Police in Athens-Clarke County allege that the football star raced his 2021 Jeep Trackhawk against the 2021 Ford Expedition driven by recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy, 24, on 15 January.

Devin Willock, an offensive lineman for the Bulldogs, and LeCroy were killed in what police initially called a single-vehicle accident.

The move by law enforcement came after The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Carter had also been at the scene of the crash and allegedly told police a changing story about what happened.

The crash took place just hours after the team had celebrated winning back-to-back national championships with a parade in Athens and a ceremony at the university’s Sanford Stadium.

What do police say took place on 15 January?

Police said in a statement on Wednesday that evidence in the case showed that Carter and LeCroy were “operating their vehicles in a manner consistent with racing” before the crash took place.

“The evidence demonstrated that both vehicles switched between lanes, drove in the center turn lane, drove in opposite lanes of travel, overtook other motorists, and drove at high rates of speed, in an apparent attempt to outdistance each other,” the police statement said.

Investigators allege that “alcohol impairment, racing, reckless driving, and speed were significant contributing factors to the crash.”

Toxicology reports state that LeCroy’s blood alcohol concentration was 0.197, more than twice the legal driving limit in Georgia. Police say that the university-owned SUV she was driving had been going at a speed of 104mph before the accident.

Carter reportedly left the scene of the crash before officers arrived, only to return several hours later when he denied racing to a police officer who observed no signs that he had been drinking, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Reckless driving and racing are both misdemeanours in Georgia.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart responds to charges against player

“The charges announced today are deeply concerning, especially as we are still struggling to cope with the devastating loss of two beloved members of our community,” said Georgia coach Kirby Smart in a statement.

“We will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities while supporting these families and assessing what we can learn from this horrible tragedy.”

Carter no longer appears at NFL Combine

Carter was at the annual pre-draft NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis when the charges were announced.

“It is my understanding that Mr Carter is making arrangements to turn himself in,” Lt Shaun Barnett of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, told The Associated Press.

Carter responds on Twitter to charges

“This morning I received a telephone call from the Athens Georgia Police Department informing me that two misdemeanor warrants have been issued against me for reckless driving and racing,” he tweeted.

“Numerous media reports have circulated this morning containing inaccurate information concerning the tragic events of January 15, 2023.

“It is my intention to return to Athens to answer the misdemeanor charges against me and to make certain that the complete and accurate truth is presented.

“There is no question in my mind that when all of the facts are known that I will be fully exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing.”