Kevin Shawn Kelly | Drunk driver convicted of 2022 Johnston County crash on NC 42 that left 1 dead and 1 seriously injured

SMITHFIELD, N.C. (WTVD) – A drunk driver involved in a 2022 crash that left one person dead and another injured has been found guilty by a Johnston County jury.

Johnston County District Attorney Susan I. Doyle said Friday that Kevin Shawn Kelly was sentenced Thursday in the traffic crash that left 35-year-old Jose Martin Ramirez Hernandez dead and Ana Figueroa Hernandez, then 43, seriously injured.

Kelly, then 55, was found guilty of negligent homicide by motor vehicle, aggravated assault by motor vehicle, vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence of alcohol and driving left of center.

He was sentenced to a prison term of at least 80 months and a maximum of 118 months.

Kelly was also originally charged with first-degree murder.

“We are pleased with the outcome of the case and would like to thank the jury for their time and patience throughout the process,” said Assistant District Attorney Skye Robertson, who helped prosecute the case. “State Troopers Corey Wilson and Dwight Braswell worked tirelessly to investigate this case. Their diligent work allowed us to bring justice to the Hernandez family. We are grateful to the Highway Patrol for their continued cooperation with our agency and commitment to keeping our roads safe. Our deepest sympathies go out to the Hernandez family and we hope this verdict brings them some peace. Driving under the influence is a preventable and dangerous crime that the Johnston County District Attorney's Office will continue to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.”

According to prosecutors, a blood test showed that Kelly's blood alcohol level was 0.16 per mille, twice the legal limit in North Carolina.

The accident occurred on the night of November 26, 2022 on NC Highway 42 in Johnston County.

NOTE: The video is from a previous report.