WHITE STONE—Following a lengthy investigation into the July 13 three-vehicle crash on the Robert O. Norris Jr. Memorial Bridge, Virginia State Police have placed four charges against Jesse David Foster, 30, of Lancaster.
The crash claimed the lives of Crystal Michelle Lyles, 42, of White Stone and Ernesto Santiago, 53, of Hampton.
On the evening of Friday, September 19, Foster was taken into custody and committed to the Lancaster County Correctional Center without bond, reported VSP Division I public information officer Sgt. Jessica B. Shehan.
According to a related press release, Foster is charged with three felonies, aggravated DUI manslaughter related to Lyles, aggravated DUI manslaughter related to Santiago, and reckless driving resulting in death while license suspended; and a misdemeanor, DUI, second offense within five years.
Foster’s first court appearance is scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday, September 26, in Lancaster County Circuit Court.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The Virginia State Police extend its sincere appreciation to the families of the victims and the citizens who have cooperated throughout this investigation, noted Sgt. Shehan. She also expressed gratitude for the support and collaboration of the Lancaster and Northumberland Commonwealth Attorneys’ offices, as well as the Multi-Jurisdictional Grand Jury representing Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, Westmoreland and Essex counties, whose assistance was instrumental in bringing this case forward.
Reminder, those charged with alleged crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
