A Lady Lake woman on Oct. 23 was booked into the Marion County Jail and held on several charges including DUI manslaughter in connection with a 2025 crash. She had her first appearance hearing Oct. 24.
Here's what we know:
Where was the hearing held? At the jail.
Who was the judge? Circuit Judge Stacy Youmans.
What's the name of the woman arrested? On which charges was she booked? Lauren Jean Carlton was booked on charges of DUI manslaughter and three counts of DUI with serious bodily injuries.
Were any lawyers present at the hearing? Yes. An assistant public defender, an assistant state attorney and Carlton's attorney Leroy Costner were present.
What happened at the hearing? Costner asked the judge to set bail for his client. She did so, with a total
amount of $62,000. The judge told Carlton if she posts bond and is released from jail, she cannot drive or consume alcohol.
Carlton's next court date is Nov. 24 at 9 a.m.
About the case: In October 2025, Florida Highway Patrol troopers were called toa two-vehicle crash in Weirsdale at Southeast 160th Avenue Road and County Road 42. That is a two-lane roadway that's divided either by a yellow line or a double yellow line.
The FHP said an older model Chevy Silverado pickup truck with two occupants, a man and woman, was eastbound on CR 42. Another man and woman were westbound in a Toyota Corolla.
Troopers said the pickup crossed the double yellow line and slammed head on into the car. Marion County Fire Rescue personnel had to extricate the victims from the Toyota.
Michael Cannon, 40, of Belleview, who was driving the Toyota, died in the crash, FHP said. His passenger, Gabriel Bariteau of Ocklawaha, was injured.
Carlton, who was behind the wheel of the pickup, FHP said. Her passenger, Miquel Hernandez, was injured.
FHP said Carlton was on her way home after picking up Hernandez.
FHP Traffic Homicide Investigator Cpl. Wilson Swartz investigated the crash. In his investigation, it was determined that Carlton's blood-alcohol content was 0.204, which is more than twice the state's legal limit of 0.08.
FHP said witnesses and DNA results pointed to Carlton as the driver. In addition to the felony charges, Carlton has been cited for not wearing her seatbelt and not maintaining a proper lane.
After the crash and throughout the investigation FHP officials said Carlton has expressed remorse about the crash. Once the investigation was completed, Carlton turned herself in at the jail.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Woman accused of DUI manslaughter arrested | Exclusive
