The Los Angeles jury convicted former nurse Nicole Lorraine Linton on six counts of second-degree murder after an Aug. 2022 high-speed crash on La Brea Avenue that killed six people, including an 8½-months-pregnant woman, her unborn child and the couple's 11-month-old son. Prosecutors say Linton was driving about 130 mph in a 35-mph zone, ran a red light and struck multiple vehicles, causing a fiery collision. The prosecution argued she had stopped taking medication for bipolar disorder and faced workplace tensions; sentencing is set for Dec. 1, when she could receive a life sentence.
Former Nurse Convicted Of Six Counts Of Second-Degree Murder After 130 MPH Crash Killed Pregnant Woman, Infant And Four Others
Nicole Linton in Los Angles on Aug. 8, 2022Credit: Frederick M Brown/AP/Shutterstock
A Los Angeles jury on Friday, Oct. 2, found 41-year-old former nurse Nicole Lorraine Linton guilty on six counts of second-degree murder for a high-speed crash on La Brea Avenue in August 2022 that killed six people.
Verdict and Sentencing
After about three hours of deliberation, jurors concluded that Linton was criminally responsible for a fiery collision in which six lives were lost. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 1, and prosecutors say Linton faces a possible life sentence.
Crash Details
Prosecutors presented evidence that Linton drove her Mercedes-Benz at approximately 130 mph in a 35-mph zone before running a red light and striking multiple vehicles. The impact set her car on fire and caused catastrophic damage to the other vehicles involved.
Victims
The victims identified in the case are: Nathesia Lewis, 43; Lynette Noble, 38; Asherey Ryan, 23, who was eight and a half months pregnant; Ryan's boyfriend, Reynold Lester, 24; and the couple's 11-month-old son, Alonzo. Ryan's unborn child, named Armani, also died in the crash.
Nicole Linton in Los Angles on Aug. 8, 2022Credit: Frederick M Brown/AP/Shutterstock
Prosecution's Case
Prosecutors argued that Linton's reckless driving was deliberate and part of a pattern of behavior. They said she had been experiencing workplace tension at Kaiser Permanente and that she had stopped taking prescribed medication for bipolar disorder in the days before the crash. Prosecutors also cited prior episodes of erratic driving and violent incidents when she was off medication.
"The jury agreed that this was no accident," Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said in a statement. "Nicole Linton murdered six people when she deliberately put her foot on the gas and accelerated up to 130 mph through a red light into an intersection with visible traffic..."
Family Reactions
Family members expressed relief at the verdict but said grief remains. Jasmond Nelson, a sister of one victim, told reporters, "Even though we have justice, grief doesn't change. It doesn't stop." Asherey Ryan's sister, Shaseana Kerr, told CBS News, "This was not an accident. This was someone who wanted to take himself out and others with her."
Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, or substance use problems, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org.
Note: The facts above are based on the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office announcement and court testimony presented at trial.
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