Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Driver charged in fatal July car accident

The Dunnellon woman faces charges of DUI manslaughter and DUI with property damage after the crash near CR 488 and U.S. 41.

By ABBIE VANSICKLE
Published November 19, 2005

INVERNESS - Two friends, Keidre Cynise Winborne and Cheri Ann Saccoman, were headed to Winborne's home in Citrus Springs on July 27. Saccoman was driving, and her car spun off the road and smashed into a utility pole.

Winborne, 19, was thrown from the car and killed at the scene.

On Thursday afternoon, the Florida Highway Patrol arrested Saccoman on charges of DUI manslaughter and DUI with property damage, according to an arrest report.

Saccoman, 18, who lives in Dunnellon, turned herself in to the Citrus County jail at 5:30 p.m., according to the report. She remained at the jail Friday afternoon. Bail was set at $51,000.

Saccoman's mother, Marion, said she wasn't sure what to think about her daughter's arrest.

"All I can tell you right now is that it's very difficult for the family. . . . It was an unfortunate accident," she said.

A message left for Winborne's family was not returned.

It was unclear from court documents what Saccoman's blood-alcohol level was at the time of the crash. Assistant State Attorney Bill Catto, the prosecutor for the case, was out of the office.

The crash occurred about 1:05 a.m. near Dunnellon Road (County Road 488) and U.S. 41, according to the FHP. Saccoman, who was 18 at the time, was driving. Winborne was in the front passenger seat of the 2000 Chrysler coupe as they headed east on Dunnellon Road.

Rounding a curve, the car spun off the road and struck a utility pole, according to the FHP.

Troopers say Winborne wasn't wearing a seat belt. Saccoman was taken to Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center.

Winborne's parents, Willetha and James, said their daughter was a compassionate young woman who loved writing poetry. When they spoke with a reporter a few hours after their daughter's death, they described her as a young woman just beginning to find her purpose in life.

Winborne had attended Lecanto High School but didn't graduate. After working at the Cottages of Gentle Breeze, an assisted living facility, she decided to return to school and get a General Educational Development certificate.

Just before she died, she told her parents she wanted to become a nurse.

Saccoman is scheduled to appear for arraignment before Circuit Judge Ric Howard at 9 a.m. Dec. 8 in Courtroom B at the Citrus County Courthouse.

Abbie VanSickle can be reached at 860-7312 or vansickle@sptimes.com

[Last modified November 19, 2005, 01:07:13]