James Carnley convicted of DUI manslaughter in 2020 death of Devon Graham in Spring Hill
Carnley's mugshot, Hernando County Detention Facility, Brooksville, FL.
Fifth Judicial Circuit of Florida
State Attorney William M. Gladson
Marion, Lake, Citrus, Sumter and Hernando Counties
December 1, 2023
Hernando County, Florida - On December 1, 2023, the State Attorney's Office, Fifth Judicial Circuit announced, that after only five minutes of deliberation, a jury found 60 year-old James Daniel Carnley, II, of Brooksville, Florida guilty of driving under the influence manslaughter in the death of 25 year-old Devon Robert Graham on May 15, 2020.
"This conviction underscores our commitment to holding individuals accountable for their actions, particularly when they jeopardize the safety of others through reckless behavior," said William "Bill" Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. "Our office remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice, ensuring that victims and their families to find resolution through the legal process."
On May 15, 2020, Carnley exited The Shoppes at Glen Lakes shopping center on Happy Days Lane, turned left onto the 9000 block of U.S. Hwy. 19 North (North Commercial Way) in Spring Hill, Florida, violating the right-of-way of Devon Graham, who was driving a motorcycle and had insufficient time to avoid a collision. The impact propelled Mr. Graham across U.S. Hwy. 19, onto the grassy shoulder. He was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash.
The Florida Highway Patrol's traffic homicide investigation revealed that Carnley's blood alcohol level was 0.125, which exceedied the State of Florida's legal limit of 0.08. Carnley's blood also contained quantities of THC (the acronym for tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis).
Evidence presented during the trial included results of Carnley's voluntary blood draw, and testimony from civilian witnesses, members of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and Dr. Bruce Goldberger.
According to an inmate search at the Hernando County Detention Facility, Carnley was booked into the facility on Sept. 15, 2020 with his bond set at $10,000, released on March 29, 2021, and readmitted on Dec. 3, 2023.
Mr. Carnley's sentencing is scheduled for December 21, 2023; the State Attorney's Office is seeking the maximum sanction of 15 years in Florida state prison.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Robert Lewis.