A Los Angeles jury has found a former nurse guilty of second-degree murder in relation to a fiery 20222 crash that left six people dead in Windsor Hills.
Nicole Linton was driving at speeds nearing 130 mph before she crashed into multiple vehicles on August 4, 2022. The crash left six people dead and eight others injured. During the trial, prosecutors argued that Linton floored the gas pedal before she slammed into several vehicles.
She faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Linton’s attorneys argued that their client suffered a medical emergency due to a seizure at the time of the crash. Her nursing license was suspended via court order.
The jury deliberated for only three hours before finding Linton guilty on all six counts of second-degree murder. 23-year-old Asherey Ryan, her unborn child, her 11-month-old son Alonzo Quintero, her fiancé Reynold Lester, Nathesia Lewis and her friend Lynette Noble all died in the crash at the intersection of Slauson and La Brea.
Ryan, who was eight months pregnant, was on the way to a prenatal appointment when Linton’s Mercedes slammed into her vehicle. The impact caused Ryan’s vehicle to burst into flames, killing everyone in the car.
Jasmond Nelson, the sister of one of the victims, called the result of the jury’s decision a “long journey.”
“It’s been extremely hard, so much grief,” Nelson said. “And even though we have justice, grief doesn’t change. It doesn’t stop. So we will still miss our loved ones,” said Jasmond Nelson, the sister of one of the victims.
Sha’seana Kerr, Ryan’s sister, told the Los Angeles Times that she forgave Linton in 2022. After the verdict was announced, she was thankful for justice.
“I’m so happy that God has given us, has given the families justice,” Kerr said. “Although she’s the one who has to remain in prison, we’ll still be prisoners in grief, because grief doesn’t end. But we’re thankful for the justice we have received today.”
Linton’s sentencing has been set for December 1.
