Judge sets bond for Cincinnati woman accused of killing another woman in accident

CINCINNATI – A Cincinnati woman went on trial Saturday in connection with the 2022 death of a woman.

Ebony L. Johnson, 31, was charged with one count of vehicular homicide and three counts of involuntary manslaughter in the November 2022 death of Valerie Jean Smith in South Fairmount. On November 27, 2022, Johnson was driving westbound near Harrison Avenue when she drove left of center and collided with a Nissan Versa in which Smith was a passenger.

Smith was transported to UC Medical Center but died of her injuries at the hospital.

On Saturday, Johnson's defense attorney pleaded not guilty. Her attorney also said she will file a motion claiming Johnson's rights were violated because it has been nearly two years since an arrest warrant was first issued.

A Hamilton County judge set Johnson's bond at $60,000 on the four charges. She was also banned from driving a car.

Johnson is currently being held in the Hamilton County Jail. She is next expected to appear in court on Friday, October 18.