On Sunday, April 27, 2025, a devastating incident occurred on Oakwood Drive in Lufkin, Texas, resulting in the death of a 6-year-old boy. The tragedy unfolded when a 10-year-old girl, under the direction of 31-year-old Clinton Earl Johnson Jr., attempted to move his Nissan Titan pickup truck and accidentally struck the child. Johnson has since been arrested and charged with criminally negligent homicide .
The Incident
According to an arrest affidavit, the young girl was riding her tricycle when she expressed frustration that the pickup truck was obstructing her path. In response, Johnson, who was grilling at the time, instructed her to “scoot it up,” allowing her to get behind the wheel of the vehicle. As she attempted to move the truck, she lost control and drove it into the porch, striking the 6-year-old boy who was sitting there using his mother’s phone. The boy, identified as Johnson’s stepson, was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries .
Investigation and Arrest
Law enforcement officials noted the smell of alcohol on both Johnson and the boy’s mother at the scene. Both admitted to having consumed three to four drinks while grilling. Johnson also revealed that the 10-year-old girl had previously driven the pickup truck on backroads, indicating a pattern of negligent behavior. He was arrested on Tuesday, April 29, and charged with state jail felony criminally negligent homicide. As of now, his bond has not been set .
Legal Implications
Criminally negligent homicide in Texas is classified as a state jail felony, carrying potential penalties of 180 days to two years in a state jail facility and fines up to $10,000. This charge is applied when an individual’s criminal negligence results in another person’s death. In this case, Johnson’s decision to allow a 10-year-old to operate a vehicle directly led to the fatal outcome.
Community Impact
The Lufkin community is grappling with the shock and grief stemming from this preventable tragedy. The incident underscores the critical importance of responsible adult supervision and the dangers of allowing unlicensed minors to operate vehicles. It also highlights the broader issue of child safety and the need for vigilance in preventing such heartbreaking accidents.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community mourns the loss of a young life and reflects on the circumstances that led to this tragic event.