A court session today provided a bookend to tragic events and the loss of a teen in 2018 in a wreck in Cedartown, and may provide some justice for the family.

Tallapoosa Circuit Superior Court Judge Mark Murphy sentenced Steven Kyle Timms, 22, of Cedartown to 10 years each on two charges that Timms plead guilty to this morning, February 28, 2022.

Per the District Attorney’s office, Timms was sentenced on a vehicle homicide in the first degree and serious injury by vehicle following the death of Kemarion Washington in June 2018 in a wreck on Kimwood Drive in Cedartown.

Timms will serve the 10 years per charge concurrently. Because he was bonded out not long after he was initially arrested on the charges, he does not have any credit for time served.

Chief Assistant District Attorney Jaeson Smith reported in a brief release that “During the plea, Mr. Timms turned to the victim’s family and apologized and said he wished he could turn back time. “Our hearts go out to the family of Mr. Washington.”

“Our hearts go out to the family of Mr. Washington and hope the disposition of this case brings some closure in their loss,” he added.

Timms was charged following the June 2018 wreck after police learned he was under the influence of marijuana when Kemarion was killed, and his younger brother Brent was injured after the wreck that saw the 2012 Nissan Rogue Timms was driving flip several times after he lost control while going an estimated 70 mph on Kimwood Drive, a residential area meant only for 35 mph maximum speed.

Both victims had not been using any drugs of any kind, the release from the DA’s office added. The younger Washington was a middle school student at the time in Rome, and Kemarion, 15, was at Rome High School.

A fourth passenger in the car at the time, Devin Maddox, escaped without injury along with Timms.

Timms was taken into custody by Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies following the court session to be processed and serve his prison term.