NOT GUILTY Verdict Reached in Fatal Jackson DUI Case

JACKSON, Miss. — A jury on Tuesday returned a not-guilty verdict in the case of Jada Kelly, who had been charged in connection with a 2023 crash that left two women dead.

After deliberating for more than two hours, jurors acquitted Kelly of two counts of aggravated DUI stemming from the January 2023 collision that killed Azure Higgins, 47, and Valerie Lynch, 43.

The charges arose from a crash at the intersection of Canton Mart Road and I-55 Frontage Road in Jackson. Prosecutors alleged that Kelly was driving under the influence when the collision occurred, resulting in the deaths of Higgins and Lynch.

Kelly was arrested following the incident and later indicted on aggravated DUI charges, which carry enhanced penalties when impaired driving results in fatalities.

Over the course of more than three years, the case moved through pretrial proceedings before ultimately going to trial. During the proceedings, Kelly exercised her right not to testify, and the jury was tasked with determining whether prosecutors had proven the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

Key Testimony Presented at Trial

Jurors heard from multiple witnesses, including law enforcement and forensic experts, as both sides presented competing accounts regarding Kelly’s condition that night.

• Curtis Young, with the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, testified that he was patrolling near a local bar, Last Call, on the night of the crash. After hearing a disturbance, he checked on Kelly and stated that she did not appear to be intoxicated at that time.

• Wendy Hadcock, a representative from the Mississippi Crime Lab, testified about the Intoxilyzer device used to measure blood alcohol levels. She explained that the device requires retesting if there is any interference, such as from radios or cellphones. Hadcock also noted that the specific model had been in use for 23 years with only five recorded errors—and none occurred in January 2023.

• A Hinds County deputy who administered Kelly’s sobriety test described how the device functions, telling jurors that improper breathing during the test can cause an error. He testified that this occurred during Kelly’s test, requiring her to blow into the device again.

Verdict and Courtroom Reaction

When the verdict was read, Kelly embraced her attorney. She had faced a potential sentence of up to 75 years in prison if convicted.

Tensions were evident in the courtroom following the decision. Despite warnings from the judge to maintain decorum, an outburst occurred as attendees exited the courtroom.

For the families of the victims, the verdict marked a difficult moment in a years-long process.

Datje Lynch, daughter of Valerie Lynch, had previously described the emotional toll of the case, saying the family was still seeking answers and a path toward healing.

What Comes Next

With the acquittal, Kelly is cleared of criminal charges in the case. Legal experts note that criminal cases require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, a standard that can be difficult to meet even in fatal crash cases.

While the court proceedings have concluded, the impact of the crash continues to be felt by the victims’ families and the broader community.