COLUMBUS, Ohio -- In January of this year, Columbus Police Detectives say George Staton was killed while street racing against 18-year-old Brandon Smith on I-70 near Hilliard. Staton lost control of his car, crossing the median and hitting OSU student Monica Durban in her vehicle, nearly killing her.
Now Brandon Smith, the teen who walked away from the crash, is facing several charges, including aggravated vehicular homicide.
Lee Durban, Monica Durban’s father, says she was not expected to live after the car accident. She was left with a fractured skull and other severe injuries, in a coma for six weeks and in the hospital for six months.
Today, Monica is a walking, talking miracle. She spoke with NBC 4 Wednesday.
“I want people to understand they need to be safe and aware street racing is going on all over the place,” Monica shared.
That’s what happened the night George Staton raced Brandon Smith and crossed the median on I-70, slamming into Durban who was driving home after a night at work, reported NBC 4’s Lauren Diedrich. The two men had license plates with the message “BLU U AWAY” and “BLU BY U”.
Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien says he has his own message to anyone who considers street racing—Smith is facing involuntary manslaughter, aggravated vehicular homicide, and aggravated vehicular assault charges. He faces up to 6 ½ years in prison if convicted.
NBC 4 calls to Smith’s attorney have not yet been returned.
Smith is expected to turn himself in to authorities Thursday morning.
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