Jesse David Foster will stand trial in Lancaster County Circuit Court on charges related to a fatal three-vehicle crash that occurred on the Robert O. Norris Jr. Memorial Bridge near Grey’s Point this past summer. The jury trial is scheduled March 2 through 6.
According to reports by the Virginia State Police (VSP), the accident occurred around 6:50 p.m. on July 13 when the 2014 Mercedes-Benz driven by Foster, 30, of White Stone, was traveling westbound on Route 3 at a high rate of speed and attempted to pass another vehicle in the eastbound lane, sideswiping a 2024 Subaru Outback and then striking a 2014 Ford Fusion head-on.
Foster’s passenger, Crystal Michelle Lyles, 42, of White Stone, was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. The driver of the Fusion, Ernesto Santiago, 53, of Hampton, also died at the scene. The driver of the Subaru Outback, Madeline Hart Gunter, 27, of Richmond, was not injured.
VSP investigators said speed and alcohol are considered major contributing factors.
According to Lancaster Circuit Court records, Foster is facing one charge of “aggravated” involuntary manslaughter, under Code section B.18.2-36.1, in relation to the death of Santiago. A conviction is punishable “by a term of imprisonment of not less than one nor more than 20 years, one year of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment,” states the Code of Virginia.
Foster is also charged with “reckless” involuntary DUI manslaughter in the death of Lyles.
Foster faces a third felony for reckless driving resulting in death, according to court records.
Foster was treated for injuries and was arrested on Sept. 19. He currently remains behind bars without bond at Lancaster County Correctional Center.
(Southside Sentinel reporter Tom Chillemi contributed to this story.)
