Woman accused of killing a Charlotte County deputy to appear in court

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Cassandra Smith
Cassandra Smith’s mugshot. Credit: Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office

A woman who has been accused of the killing of a Charlotte County deputy after driving drunk is set to appear in court.

Cassandra Smith has been in jail since Nov. 22 after being arrested for crashing her car into Charlotte County Deputy Christopher Taylor.

Smith has been ruled competent to stand trial and waived her right to a speedy trial.

The case is expected to go to trial on Dec. 12.

This trial date comes despite the defense saying they are not ready and want to file a motion for a change of venue.

Cassandra Smith’s vehicle being towed away following the car crash. Credit: WINK

The judge said he gave them three months to get ready, and that should’ve been the first thing the defense did.

They have until Dec. 1 to file the motion, but the trial remains set for Dec. 12.

Crash investigators said Smith was drunk when she was arrested and is being charged with DUI and manslaughter after crossing three lanes of traffic to hit Taylor.

Taylor was in the middle of a traffic stop when this happened on Interstate 75.

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