Henderson and Tucker Sentenced
State Attorney Bill Eddins announced today that Briana Cherie Henderson and her mother, Apryl Medrene Tucker, pled and were sentenced Thursday on charges that arose out of the May 31st crash on U.S. 98 that took the life of 77 year old Margaret Catyb. Mrs. Catyb had traveled from Dracut, MA to see her grandson graduate from Navarre High School. Her son, Alley Catyb was driving her to the Wal-Mart at Tiger Point when Briana Henderson pulled out in front of them. Henderson’s mother had allowed her to drive the vehicle and there was not a licensed driver with the 15-year old at the time. Margaret Catyb was taken to Gulf Breeze Hospital where she later was pronounced dead.
Briana Henderson pled no contest to Violation of Nonresident Driver’s License Exemption, Violation of Learner’s Permit, and Running a Stop Sign. Santa Rosa County Judge Robert Hilliard placed Henderson on 6 months probation with the condition that she speak at a victim impact panel and at Navarre High School concerning the tragedy, write a letter of apology to the Catyb family, write a 1,000 word paper on the effects of driving a vehicle carelessly, perform 75 hours of community service, have no contact with the Catyb family, not possess alcohol or drugs and not operate a vehicle. Henderson’s driving privileges were revoked for 1 year and she must pay fines and court costs in addition to restitution in the case. The victim’s family asked the Court to not impose a jail sentence on Henderson because of her age.
Apryl Tucker was convicted of Allowing an Unauthorized Person to Drive. The 37-year old Navarre woman was placed on 6 months probation and sentenced to serve 60 days in jail. The court suspended 40 days if Tucker successfully completes all the conditions of her probation, which include speaking at a victim impact panel at Navarre High School along with her daughter, performing 50 hours of community service work, have no contact with the victim’s family, write a letter of apology to the Catyb family and not possess any alcohol or drugs without a valid prescription. In addition, Tucker must pay fines and court costs and make restitution, and her driving privilege will be revoked for 6 months.
For further information, please contact Assistant State Attorney James Parker at 981-5500.
