Police: Woman talking on cell caused crash killing 2

CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. -- Police say the woman accused of causing a crash that killed two teenagers, and severely injured a third, was on her cellphone fighting with a loved one at the time of the collision.

Priscilla Johnson, 48, now faces a dozen charges including homicide by vehicle, DUI, reckless driving, hit-and-run and failure to exercise due care while using a cellphone.

The crash happened Thursday in Stockbridge on Highway 138 near interstate 675. Clayton County police said Antonious Bishop, 16, Octavious Sorrells, 17, and Timothy Aaron, 17, were walking near along the road when Johnson ran a red light, left the road and crashed into them.

Bishop died at the scene and Sorrells died at the hospital. Police told Channel 2’s GA Daily News Aaron is not doing well.

Officers said Johnson told them that she was on her cellphone having an argument with her husband at the time of the crash.

They said she also takes anxiety medication. "One test indicated that the offender had high levels of depressants in her system," Clayton County Magistrate Court Judge Beatriz Scott said during Johnson's first court appearance.

After court, Johnson's family disputed the version of what happened offered by police.

Her fiancé told Jones that he and Johnson weren't having an argument right before the crash. "I don't think so. I don't remember," Jessie Biffle said. "No. I wasn't."

Johnson's family members said she has episodes where she blacks out.

"She do have episodes where she may blank out and when she come to she don't remember," said Erica Dumes, Johnson's sister in law.

Johnson's family said this is a tragedy for everyone involved, and they are thinking of the victim's family.

"We're very sorry that this occurred. We're quite sorry. We give our condolences to the family," Biffle said.

Police said Johnson was driving on a suspended license, and she didn't have valid insurance.

Johnson is currently being held without bond.