A tragic hit-and-run crash in Winter Haven, Florida has left one child dead and another seriously injured, prompting multiple criminal charges against a 30-year-old woman accused of driving under the influence of methamphetamine. Authorities say the crash occurred Wednesday evening outside a church where families had gathered for a community celebration. The case has drawn widespread attention due to the severity of the injuries, the circumstances surrounding the incident, and the suspect’s behavior following the crash.

According to investigators, the crash happened at around 8:30 p.m. near Faith Baptist Church. Members of the congregation had gathered for a celebration marking the pastor’s 50th birthday after the evening service. Two boys—an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old—were reportedly crossing the street to purchase cupcakes and other desserts when they were struck by a vehicle. Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly afterward, but the younger child later died from his injuries. The 10-year-old suffered multiple serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital.

Medical officials reported that the surviving child sustained a compound skull fracture, a broken femur, and a broken arm. As of the latest updates, the child remained hospitalized in critical but stable condition at Arnold Palmer Hospital. The identities of the victims have not been publicly released, and authorities confirmed that the two boys were not related. The tragic circumstances have deeply affected the local church community and residents of Winter Haven.

Investigators later identified the suspected driver as Victoria Johnson, a 30-year-old resident of the area. Authorities say Johnson initially contacted police the following day to report that her dark blue 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe had been stolen. According to detectives, she claimed she had loaned the vehicle to someone the previous evening and that it had not been returned. However, when officers began investigating the reported theft, they quickly discovered damage to the vehicle along with missing parts and possible biological evidence.

As investigators continued questioning Johnson, authorities say her account began to change. According to court documents, Johnson eventually admitted she had been driving the SUV the night of the crash despite having a suspended driver’s license. She also told deputies that she was a regular methamphetamine user and had taken the drug before getting behind the wheel that evening. Investigators say Johnson later told authorities that she thought she may have hit someone but claimed she could not clearly remember the incident.

Detectives say Johnson later met a man identified as Charles Cory Stewart, 34, at a convenience store shortly after the crash. According to investigators, the two went to a nearby home and used methamphetamine again before leaving the area. Authorities allege that Johnson later gave Stewart the vehicle and asked him to dispose of it. She reportedly believed he had dumped the SUV into a lake in an attempt to destroy evidence.

Law enforcement officers later spotted the vehicle being driven by Stewart, leading deputies to follow it to a residence in Lake Wales. Authorities say Stewart and a passenger, identified as 23-year-old Mya Bass, ran inside the home and initially refused to come out. Deputies eventually took both individuals into custody. Stewart and Bass were charged with resisting arrest, and both later appeared in court where bond was set.

Johnson has been arrested and faces multiple charges related to the incident, including leaving the scene of a crash involving death, leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury, tampering with evidence, filing a false police report, and driving with a suspended or revoked license. During her first court appearance via video conference, Johnson reportedly displayed a range of emotional reactions as the judge read the charges and bond amounts totaling $100,000. The case remains under investigation as prosecutors prepare for the next stages of the legal proceedings.