No. Jalen Carter did not kill anyone, but the question of whether Jalen Carter killed someone comes up because he was racing the SUV that crashed near the University of Georgia campus on January 15, 2023, killing offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting analyst Chandler LeCroy. Carter was not driving the vehicle that wrecked. He was charged only with two misdemeanors, reckless driving and racing, pleaded no contest, and served no jail time. The civil lawsuits over his role in the crash are still open.
What Happened the Night of the Crash
The wreck happened around 2:30 a.m. on January 15, 2023, hours after UGA celebrated its College Football Playoff national championship. LeCroy, 24, was driving a 2021 Ford Expedition rented by the UGA Athletic Association for recruiting. Her passengers were Willock, offensive lineman Warren McClendon, and recruiting staffer Victoria “Tory” Bowles. Carter was in a separate vehicle, a 2021 Jeep Trackhawk.1The Red and Black. Alcohol, Racing Significant Factors in Fatal Crash; Arrest Warrants Secured for Jalen Carter
Athens-Clarke County police said the two vehicles were driving in a manner consistent with racing on Barnett Shoals Road, switching lanes, crossing into the center turn lane and opposing lanes, and traveling at extreme speeds. The Expedition was moving at roughly 104 miles per hour when LeCroy lost control at a curve near Stroud Road. LeCroy and Willock were killed. McClendon walked away with minor injuries. Bowles suffered about 20 fractures, including spinal fractures, along with a collapsed lung and lacerations to her kidneys and liver.2Fox 5 Atlanta. Deadly UGA Crash: Jalen Carter’s Testimony in Victoria Bowles Lawsuit Revealed
A toxicology report showed LeCroy’s blood alcohol concentration was .197 percent, more than twice Georgia’s legal limit of .08 percent. Police concluded alcohol impairment, racing, reckless driving, and speed were all significant contributing factors.3Online Athens. Georgia Football: Devin Willock, Chandler LeCroy, Jalen Carter
What Carter Was Charged With
Arrest warrants named Carter on two misdemeanor counts: reckless driving and racing. He was never charged with vehicular homicide, manslaughter, or any felony. He turned himself in at the Athens-Clarke County Jail on the evening of March 1, 2023, was booked at 11:33 p.m., and was released 16 minutes later after posting a $4,000 bond.4NFL.com. Top Draft Prospect Jalen Carter Subject of Arrest Warrants for Reckless Driving, Racing
On March 16, 2023, Carter entered no-contest pleas to both charges. He was sentenced to 12 months of probation, a fine of roughly $1,000, 50 hours of community service, a state-approved defensive driving course, and a 120-day suspension of his Georgia driving privileges. He received no jail time.5CNN. Jalen Carter Pleads No Contest in UGA Crash6Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Georgia’s Jalen Carter Pleads No Contest to Traffic Charges From Fatal Crash
A no-contest plea is not an admission of guilt, but it allows the court to impose a sentence as if the defendant had been convicted.
What Carter Admitted Under Oath
In a July 7, 2025, video deposition taken for the Bowles civil case, Carter said more about his role than he had in the criminal proceeding. He acknowledged that the launch from a red light in downtown Athens was reckless, saying, “I guess you can call that reckless. Yes, sir.” He admitted his driving encouraged LeCroy to speed. He said he was roughly two car lengths behind her vehicle when it left the road.2Fox 5 Atlanta. Deadly UGA Crash: Jalen Carter’s Testimony in Victoria Bowles Lawsuit Revealed
Carter testified that after returning to the scene he did not approach the wrecked SUV because it was dark and he feared injuring himself on the debris. He stayed on a nearby sidewalk and called out names. He also said he did not tell police of his involvement until about an hour and 20 minutes after the crash, when officers summoned him back.7Online Athens. Georgia Football: Jalen Carter, Victoria Bowles Crash
Asked why he never checked on Bowles while she was hospitalized, Carter said, “She wasn’t helping me get to the NFL. That was my coaches. I was going to people I needed.” His attorney, Bill Cowsert, said the statement was taken out of context or prompted by a leading question, and emphasized that Carter cooperated with law enforcement at the scene.2Fox 5 Atlanta. Deadly UGA Crash: Jalen Carter’s Testimony in Victoria Bowles Lawsuit Revealed
The Civil Lawsuits Still Open
Victoria Bowles sued Carter, the UGA Athletic Association, and the LeCroy estate in Gwinnett County State Court in July 2023, accusing the defendants of a “grossly negligent joint enterprise” of street racing and alleging Carter illegally left the scene and failed to render aid. Bowles reported more than $171,000 in medical expenses and said she cannot work because of her injuries, which include a rare chronic pain disorder from spinal cord damage.8ESPN. Former Georgia Staffer Sues School, Eagles’ Jalen Carter
Bowles reached a $1.5 million settlement with the athletic association’s insurers in August 2024, with no admission of fault, and the association was dismissed.9Online Athens. Georgia Football Crash: Victoria Bowles Settlement Her claims against Carter and his company, Breadman Jalen LLC, remain active. In September 2025, Bowles filed a third amended complaint in the State Court of Athens-Clarke County seeking at least $5 million from Carter and his LLC, plus uncapped punitive damages.7Online Athens. Georgia Football: Jalen Carter, Victoria Bowles Crash
Devin Willock’s father, Dave Willock Sr., filed a $40 million wrongful death lawsuit in Gwinnett County in May 2023 against Carter and the UGA Athletic Association, seeking $10 million in punitive damages specifically from Carter.10NBC Sports Philadelphia. Jalen Carter Named in Lawsuit by Father of Devin Willock The family filed a separate $2 million suit in January 2025 against the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, alleging the board was vicariously responsible for employees entrusting a vehicle to LeCroy despite her reckless driving history.11Online Athens. Devin Willock Crash: Georgia Football Lawsuit, Board of Regents
The LeCroy estate is contesting liability. Its attorneys have argued that passengers knew the risks and failed to exercise ordinary care, have asserted sovereign immunity on the theory that LeCroy was acting within the scope of her state employment, and have formally denied that LeCroy was racing Carter.12Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Chandler LeCroy’s Estate Denies Liability in Fatal UGA Crash
Where Carter Is Now
The Philadelphia Eagles traded up to select Carter ninth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, weeks after his plea. He earned All-Pro honors in 2024, has been selected to two Pro Bowls, and was a key contributor in the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory. In April 2026, the Eagles exercised the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, keeping him under team control through the 2027 season.13Philadelphia Eagles. Eagles Exercise Fifth-Year Option for Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith As of mid-2026, long-term extension talks have stalled, with reports citing team concerns about his maturity and health.14Sports Illustrated. Eagles Proceed Cautiously on Jalen Carter Extension Amid Health, Maturity Concerns
The Bowles case against Carter is still pending in Athens-Clarke County, and the Willock family’s claims remain unresolved.