Rapper accused of fatal double hit-and-run, deputies searching for other driver

Polk County sheriff's deputies search for 2 vehicles

LAKELAND, Fla. – A woman was killed and a good Samaritan was injured Thursday morning in two hit-and-run crashes in Polk County, sheriff's officials said.

Officials said they are searching for a white Ford F-150 in connection with the case. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd asked anyone who has seen anything suspicious to report it.

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“Someone is seeing the guy out there trying to repair his truck this morning,” Judd said.

PCSO officials said 40-year-old Kelly Marie Black was riding a scooter north around 2:20 a.m. on Galloway Road approaching Kathleen Road near Lakeland when she was struck by a vehicle. 

Surveillance video of the crash shows sparks flying as the vehicle veers to the right of Black's scooter as it approaches her from behind and collides with the scooter. Black was injured in the crash, and the car fled the scene, deputies said.

Authorities have since identified the driver of that vehicle as rapper Corey Jones, who goes by the name "D.B. Da Kid." During a news conference around 10:45 a.m., deputies said Jones told them he was on his way to turn himself in. 

Judd said deputies had contacted Jones' girlfriend who told them Jones "knew he had hit something" and told her he had been drinking.

"The next rap song he creates, he can create from inside the jail," Judd said.

Judd said it is currently unclear if Jones was driving under the influence. Specific charges will be determined when he turns himself in.

Two good Samaritans, Kalen Lawson, 20, of Ft. Hood, Texas, who is an active duty member of the U.S. Army, and his friend Markell Grant, stopped to help the victim, according to deputies.

Kalen Lawson, 20, of Ft. Hood, Texas.

Judd said this was when the white pickup truck ran over both Black and Lawson. It is believed that the truck ran over Black's chest.

“It mortifies me to think that two people would run over and leave for dead someone in the middle of the road," Judd said.

Black died at the scene, deputies said. Lawson was taken to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center with a serious leg injury, according to officials, who said he is expected to recover.

It is currently unclear if Black died from being run over the second time or if the she would have eventually succumb to the injuries from the first impact. Judd said this will determine some of the specific charges for each suspect.

"All of us have a fundamental moral responsibility to stop when involved in a crash. It's just basic human decency -- and it's the law," Judd said. "Our prayers are with the family of the deceased victim. I am so proud of Kalen Lawson, active duty U.S. Army, who stopped to help. Our thoughts and prayers are with him as he recuperates."

Anyone with any information about vehicles involved in the crashes is asked to contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office at 863-298-6200 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at 800-226-TIPS.


About the Authors:

Daniel started with WKMG-TV in 2000 and became the digital content manager in 2009. When he's not working on ClickOrlando.com, Daniel likes to head to the beach or find a sporting event nearby.

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