VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) — After more than three years, the two defendants allegedly involved in a suspected DUI crash that claimed the life of a 10-year-old in Lowndes County are headed to trial.

This is in connection with the 2023 death of Autumn Rae, 10, on Bland Dairy Drive in Lowndes County. Jodie Herndon-Everidge and Autumn’s mother, Vangela Vickers, both face a plethora of charges in connection with the crash.

In June, WALB told you about defense attorneys for Herndon-Everidge, the alleged driver of the vehicle, requesting an immediate review with the Court of Appeals for several motions filed.

Attorneys for Herndon-Everidge requested that the results of a blood test performed following her arrest be excluded from evidence, among other things.

The Georgia Court of Appeals denied the appeal, meaning the Lowndes County Superior Court ruling stands, and the evidence will be allowed. Since the motion was denied by the Court of Appeals, Asst. District Attorney Meredith Brasher says the case is now ready for trial.

Trial was originally set for Sept. 14, but Herndon-Everidge recently hired a new attorney, who then filed for a continuance. The continuance was granted in court Wednesday at calendar call.

“Because of this recent substitution, undersigned counsel requires additional time to obtain and review the complete case file and discovery, confer meaningfully with Defendant, evaluate the pending charges and available defenses, conduct any necessary investigation, address pretrial matters, and prepare effectively for trial.”

Jodie Herndon-Everidge faces:

• Murder During the Commission of a Felony
• Cruelty to Children - 2nd degree (two counts)
• Homicide by Vehicle- 1st degree
• DUI - Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol - Less Safe
• Endangering a child while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Tampering with Evidence
• Poss. of Open Alcohol Container

Vangela Vickers faces:

• Murder During the Commission of a Felony
• Cruelty to Children - 2nd degree (two counts)
• Homicide by Vehicle- 1st degree
• DUI - Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol - Less Safe
• Endangering a child while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

The state says they did not object to the continuance, as they say they need to try both defendants together. ADA Brasher says they plan to add the case to the upcoming trial calendar in early November.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and X. For more south Georgia news, download the WALB News app and add WALB as a preferred source on Google.

Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.