A Maryland woman has pleaded guilty to three charges connected to a tragic car accident that occurred in July 2024 near Joint Base Andrews, resulting in the deaths of a recent NFL draftee and two of his former teammates. Cori Clingman, from Upper Marlboro, entered her plea on Friday afternoon for three counts of negligent homicide while under the influence of alcohol. Each count can lead to a maximum sentence of five years in prison, but Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Tara Jackson has recommended a 15-year term, with 12 years suspended.
Following her court appearance, Clingman was visibly emotional, covering her face as she sat alone, while the families of the victims — Isaiah Hazel, Anthony Lytton Jr., and Khyree Jackson — gathered together in the courtroom, some visibly distressed.
Khyree Jackson made headlines earlier in 2024 when he was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL Draft. The three men tragically died after spending time together at a lounge before the accident.
According to prosecutors, the incident occurred in the early hours of July 6, 2024, when Clingman, driving her Infinity Q50 at over 100 miles per hour, collided with both a Dodge Charger, in which the three men were traveling, and a Chevrolet Impala. It was reported that both vehicles were speeding at excessive rates.
Had the case gone to trial, expert testimony would have revealed Clingman’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was between .12 and .18 at the time of the crash. Fortunately, the driver of the Impala was unharmed, and Clingman and her two passengers also emerged without injuries.
The state’s attorney emphasized the preventable nature of such tragedies, stating, “Incidents like these are not just accidents. They are preventable tragedies that occur from conscious choices.” Jackson highlighted the importance of responsibility, particularly during the holiday season ahead, urging the public to prioritize safety over haste: “No destination, no rush, no moment of excitement is worth a life.”
Clingman’s sentencing has been set for February 4, where the court will determine the final consequences of her actions that night.