Woman Charged in 2023 Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash

BROOKSVILLE – An arrest has been made in a 2023, hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of 38-year-old Shawn Michael Mullins. ORIGINAL STORY

Mullins was walking on Jacqueline Road on the evening of October 16, 2023, when he was struck by a pickup truck. The driver of the truck fled the scene and did not report the incident to authorities.

After the incident, R News learned from a family member of the suspect that 35-year-old Rhonda Sue Smith was responsible for the crash and was still living in the area. R News inquired about the allegations with the Florida Highway Patrol, but they said there were no new developments in the case.

On March 27, 2024, R News learned that Smith had been arrested on an unrelated charge of Failure to Appear for Retail Theft and Driving on a Suspended License (DWLSR). Smith was set to be released with one day time served but she remained behind bars on a second DWLSR charge, pending a $5,000 bond.

Yesterday, R News learned that Smith had been served with a warrant from the Florida Highway Patrol on a charge of Hit-and-Run Involving Death, resulting in a no-bond status.

R News is waiting on officials with the FHP to provide the full report.