Brandon woman gets $100K bond following DUI crash that killed 61-year-old

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — It was an emotional day in court as a 22-year-old Brandon woman listened to the details of a fatal crash she was involved in and learned whether she would receive bond. Elizabeth Martin is facing several charges, including vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter, for a fatal crash that happened on Jan. 24 along U.S. 301 near the area of Harney Road in Hillsborough County. In total, three cars were involved, and one person was killed. Corporal Douglas Guy, with the Florida Highway Patrol, said the crash was caused by Martin's car crossing over the center line and hitting a GMC Terrain head-on, which caused that car to catch fire. Unfortunately, he said 61-year-old Carol Gravely, a passenger in the GMC, was killed. "She was a burnt deceased person still trapped inside on the passenger side of the vehicle," he said. Gravely's husband and the driver of the third vehicle were taken to the hospital for their injuries. Guy said Martin had already been transported for medical care when he arrived on scene, but that she was interviewed at the hospital. "[Martin said] that she was a passenger in the vehicle, that she had just picked up one of two people, either a Paco or a Rico, at the 301 Bar and Grill in Thonotosassa and was traveling to her sister's house," he said. However, he said the evidence, her injuries, and the electronic data recording from her vehicle suggested otherwise. "It showed that there was a driver only and no occupant in the passenger side," he said. He also stated that Martin was speeding and her blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit, to which the defense countered that she could have been given medication at the hospital. "You would have no personal knowledge about her state, whether she was under the influence of any medications or anything related to that?" asked the defense. Guy answered 'no' in response. Martin's sister took the stand to try to convince the judge that her sister is not a danger to the community or a flight risk. She also shared how remorseful Martin is. "She said: 'I just don't want the other family to feel mad that I am crying; they deserve to cry and not me. I just hope that they see that I am not a monster.' Elizabeth is truly regretful, and she wishes it was her every day," said Angela Vanvaerenbergh. In the end, the judge set her bond at over $100,000 for all of the charges. If Martin bonds out, the judge ruled that she is not allowed to have any contact with any alleged victims or their family, she is not allowed to drive, and she must be fitted with a SCRAM or other alcohol monitor. She is also not allowed to consume alcohol or controlled substances, go to bars or liquor stores, and must remain in Hillsborough County. Martin would be required to surrender her passport if she has one, and she would have a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.