Key Takeaways
- Tynesha McCarty-Wroten, also known as Tea Tyme, has been arrested for reckless homicide and aggravated use of a communications device resulting in death after allegedly hitting and killing a pedestrian while livestreaming on TikTok.
- The incident occurred on November 3 in Zion, Illinois, and the victim, 59-year-old Darren Lucas, was walking at an intersection when he was struck by McCarty-Wroten’s vehicle.
- McCarty-Wroten initially reported that she had a green light, but surveillance video revealed that she had a red light and Lucas had the green light when the accident occurred.
- A TikTok video of the incident, which was recorded by a screen recording of McCarty-Wroten’s livestream, showed her reacting to the accident and saying "Fuck, fuck, fuck … I just hit somebody."
Introduction to the Incident
The social media creator, Tynesha McCarty-Wroten, also known as Tea Tyme, has been arrested for her role in the death of 59-year-old Darren Lucas, who was walking at an intersection in Zion, Illinois, when he was struck by McCarty-Wroten’s vehicle. Lucas was pronounced dead at a hospital emergency room from blunt force injuries. McCarty-Wroten, 43, faces felony charges of reckless homicide and aggravated use of a communications device resulting in death. According to Lt. Paul Kehrli of the Zion police department, McCarty-Wroten remained at the scene of the crash to speak to investigators and initially reported that she believed she had a green light when she noticed Lucas crossing in front of her too late.
Investigation and Evidence
However, surveillance video in the area revealed that McCarty-Wroten had a red light and Lucas had the green light when she struck him. This contradicted McCarty-Wroten’s initial statement, and police soon discovered a video that suggested Lucas had been hit by a driver livestreaming on a TikTok account associated with McCarty-Wroten. The TikTok video, which was recorded by a screen recording of McCarty-Wroten’s livestream, showed her speaking at her telephone before a loud thud prompted her to say "Fuck, fuck, fuck … I just hit somebody." The video ended with a child in the car asking what had happened, and someone else in the car questioning whether the driver was okay. A forensic analysis of McCarty-Wroten’s phone, which she eventually surrendered through an attorney, confirmed that the video of the livestream was taken on the date and at the time of the crash that killed Lucas.
Public Reaction and Aftermath
The incident sparked a social media outcry, particularly when McCarty-Wroten appeared on a separate livestream days after Lucas’s death and solicited donations on the Cash App platform. She claimed that any donations she received would support her taking "mental leave" amid "a lot of shit going on." The move was met with widespread criticism, with many commenting that McCarty-Wroten showed no remorse for her actions. Lucas’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise financial support for his widow, whom his son-in-law, Chris King, described as the late man’s "everything." King expressed relief that the state attorney’s office had informed the family of McCarty-Wroten’s arrest, saying "The family and myself are glad to see the wheels of justice moving."
Safety Concerns and TikTok Policy
The incident has raised concerns about the dangers of using cell phones while driving, particularly when livestreaming on social media platforms. Studies have shown that cell phone use while driving increases the potential for crashes, and TikTok prohibits drivers from livestreaming on the platform as a matter of safety. However, setting a customized background with the platform’s green screen function can defeat this safety measure. The incident highlights the importance of responsible driving practices and the need for social media platforms to prioritize safety and take measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Conclusion and Future Implications
The arrest of Tynesha McCarty-Wroten, also known as Tea Tyme, serves as a reminder of the dangers of using cell phones while driving and the importance of responsible social media practices. The incident has sparked a widespread outcry and highlights the need for social media platforms to take measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. As the case against McCarty-Wroten proceeds, it is likely to have significant implications for social media creators and drivers alike, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety and responsible behavior behind the wheel.