Suspect in crash that killed JSO bailiff makes initial court appearance

Jacksonville, FL — The driver accused of causing a crash that killed a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office bailiff and critically wounded her husband has made an initial court appearance on multiple charges.

Kim Johnston is charged with two counts of driving under the influence causing serious injuries.  Bond was set at $100,000.

The crash happened early on Sunday morning on I-95 near State Road 16.  The crash report from the Florida Highway Patrol says Cathy Adams, a JSO bailiff, died after the crash. Her husband, William Adams, a JSO officer was listed in critical condition.

The report says the two, along with two teenagers, were traveling on I-95 north when they were hit by a suspected drunk driver going north as well. The report says Kim Johnston was driving a Acura TSX when she hit the Adams’ Chevy Tahoe, and the driver of the Tahoe lost control and flipped. The report says one person was ejected while the driver was trapped. The report says the teenagers sustained minor injuries.

Multiple people close to the investigation say the family was on their way back from the Mandarin High School Football state championship game in Orlando.

Neighbors say they are sad after hearing the news.

“Every time I’m out there I talk to them. Just the nicest people.” Says Adams family neighbor Lawton Daniels.

Since the crash, local agencies have been sending their condolences to the family.