Wrong way crash suspect out of hospital

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) - The driver suspected in a wrong way crash that killed two Christopher Newport University students was released from the hospital Thursday.

Charges are pending against Jesse Evans, Jr., according to State Police. Troopers met with the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office Friday to discuss the case, said Sgt. Michelle Anaya, State Police spokeswoman.

The two students who died were roommates.

Kimberley R. Brin, 17, died at 11:45 a.m. Monday as a result of her injuries from the accident, Sgt. Anaya said.

She was surrounded by family throughout her fight, CNU Dean of Students Kevin Hughes wrote in an email to the CNU community.

Brin was a 2011 graduate of All Saints Cathedral School in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She played volleyball during her high school years and was exploring the liberal arts curriculum this semester at CNU. Brin was also an organ donor.

Brin's roommate, Sierra Smith, 19, of the 300 block of Nantucket Place in Newport News, died at the scene of the accident that happened just before 3 a.m. Sunday on I-64 westbound in Hampton near the Newport News city line.

Smith was a freshman at CNU and a 2011 graduate of Woodside High School, according to CNU spokesperson Lori Jacobs.

Four other people were injured in the crash.

Police say a Ford Taurus with five people in it was traveling westbound on I-64 when a Chevrolet Tahoe going the wrong way struck it head-on.

Brin was seated behind the driver of the Ford Taurus. Brin was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, according to state police. Smith was seated in the middle of the rear seat and was wearing a lap restraint. Police said Smith died on impact.

Tyneshia Dabney knew the girls in the Taurus and said they were probably just looking for a chance to get away from campus for the night.

"Just innocent, focused, good girls, like good! Like no issues, no nothing," said Dabney.

Jesse Leon Evans, 33, of the 500 block of Oscar Loop in Newport News, was driving the Chevrolet Tahoe, according to police.

Alcohol played a factor in the cause of the accident and charges are pending based on the Commonwealth's Attorney review of the case.

According to information from Newport News General District Court, Evans is due in court later this month on DWI charges that occurred on September 16.

Evans was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash and was transported to Riverside Hospital. On Monday, Evans was in good condition at the hospital.

The driver of the Ford Taurus, Laval Noel, 22, of the 100 block of Wickre Street in Williamsburg, was also wearing his seatbelt and was airlifted to Norfolk Sentara Hospital. As of Friday, Noel is listed in critical condition.

The other occupants of the Ford Taurus were Emani Wade, 18, of the 900 block of Pettigrew Drive in Concord, Va., who remains in fair condition at Riverside Regional Hospital. The other passenger, Deno Rich, 22, of the 200 block of Merrimac Trail in Williamsburg, is listed in good condition at the hospital.

The accident remains under investigation.