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Ellery Darnell Penn, 56, killed as a passenger in alleged drunk driving wreck near Centreville Road and Rugby Road in Manassas, Virginia

Modified Date: 
Thu, 07/30/2015 - 1:30pm
Accident Date: 
Thursday, July 30, 2015

Authorities: Drunk driver charged with involuntary manslaughter

Police: Drunk driver caused crash that killed his passenger in Manassas

Authorities charged a man with involuntary manslaughter after a fatal car crash in Manassas, where investigators said he drove drunk, hit a utility pole and killed his passenger. Carroll Arness Smith of Woodbridge was arrested shortly after the Sunday morning collision and charged with driving under the influence and driving on a revoked license. Prince William County police additionally charged Smith on Tuesday with involuntary manslaughter. Authorities said the 5:45 a.m. crash killed Smith’s passenger, Ellery Darnell Penn, 56, of Manassas.
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Type: Car Accident
Topics: 
Car Accident, DWI - DUI - Alcohol or Drug Use, Road Departure, Unlicensed Driver/Suspended License
People Involved: 
Carroll Arness Smith
Ellery Darnell Penn
Roadway: 
Centreville Road and Rugby Road
City: 
Manassas, VA
County: 
Manassas city, VA
Area: 
Washington, DC

Comments

Submitted by KL on Fri, 07/31/2015 - 7:34pm
  I understand the severity of the incident. However, you nor does anyone of these news release stories on this incident. Darnell was Caroll's uncle. And his best friend. Upon releasing certain info keep in mind of the family that is involved. Carroll is NOT a person that would inflict or cause any harm on ANYONE  Nor would he ever intend to put others in risk or jeopardy.... You or anyone else writing an article on this know the events leading up to this tragedy. Carroll is one of the most wonderful, loving, caring, honest, compassionate and would do anything for anyone. He's a wonderful father. He's a wonderful friend. A loving son. Devoted man. This his could happen to anyone's family. (Remember: you don't know the events).         

Submitted by KW on Fri, 07/31/2015 - 8:14pm
My heart is breaking over this whole situation. I have know Carroll all of my life. And he is the sweetest and kindest man I know. I can remember growing up and Carroll always letting me know that if I ever need anything that he was there. Yes, this is so unfortunate and Carroll has lost his uncle that he was so very close to. And now facing these charges is just so heart breaking. As if the lost of his uncle Darrnell isn't hard enough. My prayer go out to Carroll and the whole family. May God bless each and everyone that has any involvement in this case. That there will be Marcey on the convicted person... Carroll. Loosing his uncle is punishment enough!!! God bless this situation and Carroll.  Soooo so sorry for the lost. And my prayers are constantly going up. Love you!

Submitted by FS on Sat, 08/01/2015 - 6:56am
Carroll. You are such an amazing man. God will see you thru this rough time. Darnell was  to all of us, includingJut  Remebe. you. I know he was not only your Uncle, but one of your best friends. You would give your last penny helping someone. I know this is a rough time right now, keep your faith. The Lord will see you thru this    

Submitted by Seriously? on Sat, 08/01/2015 - 7:40pm
I feel bad for those involved but what's all this crap about the guy being arrested for DUI? Yeah he lost someone, and got charged, that's why you DONT DRIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE. I don't care what events led up to a CRIME. Police say he was drunk, then he was drunk. I'm sorry for his loss and everyone's loss but you don't avoid a DUI just because someone you care about got killed, living with that and a jail sentence sounds like a fitting punishment to me. There's a lesson to be learned here. People stop inserting your opinions on how great of a man he was because it doesn't matter anymore, he screwed up and paid one of the highest prices. God will see you through this rough time? What? Drinking and driving? God will only watch you be punished for your inconsiderate actions. Gods act here was giving you and everyone around you a wake up call, STOP DRINKING AND DRIVING. If you're defending a DUI offender then you obviously don't understand the severity of anything. Imagine having your child killed by a drunk driver. Would him feeling bad be enough? Would you care or would you want justice? He did the crime, now he lives with the repercussions. #truth

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 08/14/2015 - 2:01pm
I agree completely. You have to pay the price for your actions and a lesson needs to be learned and its unfortunate that someone had to die behind it.

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