Little Rock, Arkansas – A 26-year-old man is facing a first-degree murder charge after a police pursuit ended in a violent crash on Interstate 430 that killed his passenger, a 27-year-old woman.
The crash happened near Stagecoach Road after a car being pursued by Little Rock police left the roadway, struck a guardrail and overturned. The vehicle was carrying two people, identified by police as driver Samuel Shelton, 26, and passenger Jamia Trotter, 27.
The overturned car was then hit by another vehicle. The impact caused both Shelton and Trotter to be ejected.
Trotter died as a result of the crash. Shelton survived and was taken to a local hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries. The driver of the second vehicle, identified as 53-year-old Rolando Hyche, was also injured.
According to an official report, the chain of events began when Little Rock officers attempted to stop Shelton for a traffic violation near Rodney Parham and Mississippi. Rather than stopping, Shelton allegedly fled, leading officers onto Interstate 430.
The pursuit continued until the vehicle crashed near Stagecoach Road. What began as a traffic stop ultimately resulted in a fatal collision and multiple injuries.
Shelton has now been charged with first-degree murder, felony fleeing, third-degree battery, reckless driving and improper display of tags.
He appeared in court on Aug. 21 and pleaded not guilty to the charges, according to court records. Shelton remains in custody on a $1 million bond.
The murder charge follows the death of Trotter, who was riding as a passenger in Shelton’s vehicle when the crash occurred. Both occupants were thrown from the car after it overturned and before the vehicle was struck by Hyche’s vehicle.
The incident also left another person injured. Hyche, who was driving the vehicle that struck the overturned car, was transported for treatment following the collision.
Authorities have not indicated that Trotter was involved in the conduct that led to the police pursuit. The charges against Shelton stem from the events surrounding the attempted traffic stop, the subsequent flight and the deadly crash.
The case highlights the consequences of a police pursuit that began over a traffic violation and quickly escalated into a serious highway collision. Investigators are continuing to document the circumstances surrounding the crash as Shelton’s criminal case moves through the court system.
The first-degree murder charge is among several serious allegations Shelton now faces. Felony fleeing is also included, along with third-degree battery, reckless driving and improper display of tags.
Shelton’s next steps in the case will take place through the court system. His not-guilty plea means the charges remain allegations, and the prosecution will have to prove them in court.
The crash occurred on Interstate 430 near Stagecoach Road, where the pursuit came to an end after Shelton’s vehicle hit a guardrail and overturned. The subsequent collision with Hyche’s vehicle resulted in the ejection of both people inside Shelton’s car.
Trotter was pronounced dead following the crash, while Shelton was treated for minor injuries. Hyche was also injured in the collision.
With Shelton being held on a $1 million bond, the case now moves forward as authorities and prosecutors address the charges connected to the pursuit and the death of Trotter.
The investigation and court proceedings are expected to provide additional details about the events leading up to the crash and the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.
