A Los Angeles jury convicted traveling nurse Nicole Lorraine Linton on six counts of second-degree murder on Friday following an August 2022 high-speed crash at a Windsor Hills intersection that killed six people, including an unborn child, [nbclosangeles.com] reported. The verdict was reached after roughly three hours of deliberations following a trial featuring surveillance footage and witness testimony, according to [foxla.com].
Verdict Reached After Three Hours of Deliberations
The Los Angeles County jury returned its decision on Friday, finding the 41-year-old Houston resident guilty on all six counts of second-degree murder, [nbclosangeles.com] reported. The jury weighed weeks of technical evidence and emotional testimony regarding the August 4, 2022, collision at La Brea and Slauson avenues, according to [foxla.com]. Linton faces sentencing scheduled for Dec. 1, [nbclosangeles.com] noted.
Speeding Mercedes-Benz Ran Red Light at 130 MPH
Investigators established that Linton drove her Mercedes-Benz at speeds reaching 130 mph in a 35 mph zone moments before the crash, according to trial testimony cited by [nbclosangeles.com] and [foxla.com]. Electronic data recorders showed she fully pressed the accelerator while running a red light that had been active for 15 seconds, [nbclosangeles.com] reported. The vehicle struck the rear quarter of an SUV, triggering a multi-vehicle wreck involving nine vehicles and leaving burned vehicles and debris scattered across the intersection, [nbclosangeles.com] and [foxla.com] stated.
The impact split a Jaguar carrying a family in half, resulting in 25 documented impact areas, California Highway Patrol investigator Hector Castaneda testified, as reported by [foxla.com]. Deputy Medical Examiner Vadims Poukens testified that all six victims died from traumatic injuries, with three sustaining thermal injuries after death, [foxla.com] noted.
Six Victims Killed Including Pregnant Mother and Unborn Baby
The collision killed 23-year-old Asherey Ryan, who was 8 ½ months pregnant, along with her 11-month-old son Alonzo Quintero, her 23-year-old boyfriend Reynold Lester, and her unborn child Armani Lester, [nbclosangeles.com] and [foxla.com] reported. The family was traveling to a prenatal medical appointment when the crash occurred, [nbclosangeles.com] stated. Two friends traveling in another car—43-year-old Nathesia Lewis and 38-year-old Lynette Noble—also died in the wreckage, according to [nbclosangeles.com]. Nine other people, including Linton, sustained injuries, [nbclosangeles.com] and [foxla.com] noted.
Prosecutors Argue Road Rage While Defense Cites Seizure
During closing arguments, Deputy District Attorney Antonella Nistorescu argued that the crash was an entirely preventable act driven by road rage, [nbclosangeles.com] and [foxla.com] reported. Prosecutors presented evidence that Linton left her job at Kaiser Permanente West Los Angeles Medical Center mid-shift without telling anyone after feeling that co-workers made her feel stupid, [nbclosangeles.com] and [foxla.com] stated. Nistorescu told jurors that Linton “chose to do this” consciously and channeled her workplace fury into her driving, [nbclosangeles.com] and [foxla.com] noted.
Defense attorney Jovan Blacknell countered that Linton suffered a sudden medical seizure that left her unconscious and unable to stop the vehicle, [nbclosangeles.com] and [foxla.com] reported. Neurologist Dr. David Millett testified that a photo showing Linton’s arm out the window was consistent with a seizure causing unconsciousness, according to [foxla.com]. Kimberly Linton, the defendant’s sister, testified about unusual behavior and cryptic remarks during a FaceTime call in the hours preceding the crash, [nbclosangeles.com] and [foxla.com] stated. Linton chose not to testify in her own defense, [nbclosangeles.com] reported.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Windsor Hills Verdict
What charges did Nicole Linton face?
Linton was initially charged with six counts of murder and five counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, though prosecutors dismissed the vehicular manslaughter charges shortly before trial, [foxla.com] reported. The jury ultimately convicted her on all six counts of second-degree murder, according to [nbclosangeles.com].
When is Nicole Linton’s sentencing scheduled?
Linton’s sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 1, [nbclosangeles.com] reported. She remains held without bail following the verdict, according to [foxla.com].
How fast was the vehicle traveling before the collision?
Electronic data recorders inside Linton’s Mercedes-Benz showed she reached 130 miles per hour while fully pressing the accelerator seconds before the crash in a 35 mph zone, [nbclosangeles.com] and [foxla.com] stated.
Worth a look