Family demands justice as trial begins in DUI crash that claimed two women’s lives.

JACKSON, Miss. —
The trial of Jada Kelly, who faces charges of aggravated DUI in connection with a crash that killed two women, has begun in Hinds County Circuit Court.

On Wednesday, jurors heard testimony from law enforcement officers who responded to the scene of the fatal crash that took the lives of 47-year-old Azure Higgins and 43-year-old Valerie Lynch.

The crash on Jan. 15, 2023, at the intersection of Canton Mart Road and I-55 Frontage Road claimed the lives of Higgins and Lynch. Kelly and a passenger were traveling in a Toyota Camry when it collided with a black Nissan Altima, resulting in the deaths of both women. Kelly was later arrested and charged with aggravated DUI.

Lynch’s daughter, Datje Lynch, said the road to this moment has been a long three years.

“We want justice—it’s overwhelming. When it comes to healing, I don’t think we’ve reached that point yet because we’re still searching for answers. I believe once there’s a verdict, we can begin that process. Right now, we’re still grieving and trying to take that first step toward acceptance,” said Datje Lynch.

The identity of the passenger who was with Kelly at the time of the crash has not been disclosed.

Lynch described her mother as someone who always wore a smile and was deeply loved by many.