The driver of the other vehicle, which T-boned the tennis pro, is also
in the clear according to a police investigation that concluded neither
was at fault.
"Based upon this investigation and relevant Florida state statutes, no
charges will be filed in this case," according to an 18-page traffic
homicide investigation released Wednesday by Palm Beach Gardens police.
Jerome Barson, 78, was a passenger in a 2016 Hyundai Accent driven by
his wife, Linda Barson, 68. The car T-boned Williams’ Toyota Sequoia as
she waited in an intersection in Palm Beach Gardens. Jerome Barson died
13 days after the June 9 wreck.
Williams was not injured.
In the aftermath of the crash, Williams explained to an officer that a
dark-colored car turned left in front of her, trapping her in the
intersection when her light turned red and before she was T-boned by the
Barsons’ Hyundai. In July Florida police obtained video supporting Williams' claim that she was doing nothing illegal when the accident occurred.
Footage showed the athlete's SUV entering an intersection legally
before colliding with the vehicle carrying Jerome Barson. The Barson
family initially sued Williams for allegedly causing the accident and
running a red light.
Palm Beach Gardens Police found that to be untrue, stating that she
drove forward on a green light stopping her Toyota Sequoia in the middle
of the intersection when a Nissan passed in front of her.
Upon pulling forward, cops said Williams was hit by the Barson's Hyundai Accent.
Williams broke down when asked about the case at a Wimbledon press conference.
"I am completely speechless and it's just. I mean, I'm just," she said before starting to cry.
She later posted on Facebook that she was "heartbroken."
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