July 17, 2025

Teacher Indicted for Vehicular Homicide in Lexington

News Summary

Jaime Caldwell, a 29-year-old special education teacher, has been indicted for vehicular homicide and aggravated DUI after a tragic incident where she struck and killed a pedestrian. The indictment by a Fayette County grand jury reflects the gravity of the incident, following the death of 32-year-old Joshua Hampton. Caldwell allegedly drove under the influence, with a BAC of 0.278%. She was apprehended at work and has been placed on administrative leave. The community mourns the loss of Hampton as the legal proceedings unfold.

Lexington – Jaime Caldwell, a 29-year-old special education teacher at Glendover Elementary School, has been indicted for vehicular homicide and aggravated DUI following a tragic incident in which she struck and fatally injured a pedestrian. The indictment was issued by a Fayette County grand jury on June 24.

The indictment charges Caldwell with a Class B felony of vehicular homicide, a significant upgrade from her previous charge of a Class D felony for leaving the scene of an accident. This severe charge reflects the gravity of the situation, particularly after the victim, 32-year-old Joshua Hampton, succumbed to his injuries two days post-accident.

The incident took place on April 16 when Caldwell allegedly drove under the influence of alcohol on Georgetown Road near Mercer Road in Lexington. Reports indicate that Caldwell struck Hampton while operating her vehicle. He later died from complications related to blunt force injuries sustained during the incident.

Approximately 90 minutes post-collision, Caldwell was apprehended at Glendover Elementary School, where she had reported for work. At that time, her blood alcohol content (BAC) was measured at 0.278%, which is more than three times the legal driving limit. Caldwell later acknowledged that she had consumed Bacardi the previous night and had taken prescribed medication on the morning of the crash.

Following her arrest, Caldwell was released on a $25,000 bond and is scheduled for an arraignment in Fayette Circuit Court on July 25. In the meantime, she has been placed on administrative leave and is no longer employed by Fayette County Public Schools, as confirmed by a school spokesperson.

Initially, Caldwell faced charges that included leaving the scene of an accident, failure to render aid or assist a person suffering from death or serious physical injury, and operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Reports suggested that Caldwell may have been unaware that she had hit a person, believing she merely heard a “thud” as she drove.

As this case unfolds, the community is left mourning the loss of Joshua Hampton, and concerns about impaired driving continue to rise. The case emphasizes the consequential nature of driving under the influence and its potential ramifications on the lives of individuals and families.

Jaime Caldwell now faces a serious legal battle as she confronts the charges against her, and further developments are expected as the arraignment date approaches.