Passenger charged with lying to troopers in fatal hit-and-run investigation

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Troopers have arrested the passenger in the vehicle involved in a hit-and-run crash that killed two women in Pine Hills.

Shane Joseph was charged with obstructing justice and perjury after the Florida Highway Patrol said she lied about who was behind the wheel when the crash happened.

Detectives told WFTV Joseph's lies hindered their hit-and-run investigation.

According to troopers, Joseph's boyfriend Brye Jenkins was driving an SUV when he crashed into another vehicle, killing Bessie Anderson and Veronica Williams.

"At the hospital she did tell troopers that she was sitting at a bus stop and the driver came by and offered her a ride," Sgt. Kim Montes with FHP said.

Investigators said they quickly learned that was a lie. And when Joseph told troopers her ex-boyfriend from Tampa was the driver, they also found out that wasn't true.

"She also wasted three days of troopers' time, manpower, research, and she also blamed an innocent man," Montes said.

Troopers said they were eventually able to identify the driver as Jenkins, who allegedly ran away after the crash.

"We were delayed and sent on a wild goose chase by false information. It just delays justice for these families," Montes said.

On her way to the Orange County Jail, Joseph's only statement was "Sorry."

She's being held on a $10,000 bond. A warrant for Jenkins' arrest has been issued, but he has not been located.

WFTV