Brandy Cleared of Charges in Fatal 2006 Car Crash

Brandy by Theo Wargo/WireImage.com

No charges will be filed against singer/onetime America's Got Talent judge Brandy, who almost exactly a year ago was involved in a car crash that left Awatef Aboudihaj, a 38-year-old married mother of one, dead. In a statement to TV's Extra, press deputy Frank Mateljan says, "After conducting a thorough investigation, which included consulting with some of the top accident reconstruction experts in the country, [Los Angeles] city prosecutors concluded that there was insufficient evidence from which a jury could find Ms. Norwood guilty... beyond a reasonable doubt."

Though Brandy at one time was possibly facing a misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter charge, recent reports have suggested that she did not cause the accident but rather was a victim of a pileup when Aboudihaj's car struck the vehicle in front of her, before Brandy made any contact.

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Brandy

Posted by

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Dec 28, 2007 3:44 PM

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I'm sorry for the family of the woman. I'm also glad that Brandy isn't being unfairly charged.
Posted by tp72 Dec 28, 2007 8:07 PM Report Abuse

Mother of Two sons -- not one.
Posted by jcoplan Dec 28, 2007 8:37 PM Report Abuse

I had recently been wondering what was going on with this investigation. I'm sure Brandy is relieved to put this behind her. A very tragic situtatuion all around.
Posted by tjj50 Dec 28, 2007 9:03 PM Report Abuse

So does that mean Brandy will take back her spot from that prickly (2nd non-American judge) Sharon Osbourne on "America's Got Talent"? ...not that I ever watched the show.
Posted by Sheldon Dec 29, 2007 9:17 AM Report Abuse

I am SOOO happy for her "TO GOD BE THE GLORY"
Posted by PAMHUCK Dec 29, 2007 7:44 PM Report Abuse

First of all my heart goes out to the family of the dearly departed. Unfortunately we live live in a world that is fast paced and rush rush this causes accedints which we all know thta can be fatal sometime.Im glad the DA decided not to prosicute because there wasn't any alcohol involved and it was clearly not brandy's fault.This is something that can happen to either one of us at any given momement, even to the prosecuters that are to suppose to up hold the law.Sometimes these prosecuters only think about how much money money these high profile celebrity cases can make instead of makeing the good chritian decision of what is right and what is wrong.Im glad they have made the fair decision to not destroy her life any more than what it is.Because pain of knowing that she killed some accidently will be with her forever, This trial would have made life that much harder for. Brandy if you should ever read this my heart and prayers go out to u because i know what are going through it happened to my family too.

Posted by taylor9590

Dec 29, 2007 8:04 PM

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Ok, the woman died. I'm not gonna say sorry because I don't know them nor will it matter. If I was in Brandy's shoes I would have been charged with manslaughter. She doesn't get charged because hse has money and she is famous. Doesn't matter whose fault it is, if it were someone who wasn't famous then they would have been put in jail for 10-15 years minimum even with good behaviour.

Rich people get away with murder all the time. Look at O.J. Simpson.

Good Christian my butt. God will sort them out when they die. It will be his decision. And those who commit a deadly sin shall be punished.

Posted by jastnorn

Dec 30, 2007 12:55 AM

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I never thought that two people with two opposing views could both be so horribly wrong ... but the extent to which both Taylor and Jastnorn were shortsided drove me to send this e-mail. Taylor - Christianity had nothing to do with this decision (remember the whole separation of church and state) ... it would have been made whether the prosecutors were Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Islamic or even atheists (yes, they are lawyers too much to your horror I'm sure). This was a non-religious decision based on the FACTS of the case. They did not do this because they felt sorry for her or because they they wanted to spare her - this decision was made based on one of two issues - either they knew the evidence showed that she did not cause the accident OR they knew there was no way they would win and the expenses they would have to shell out to try to win the case would not be worth it. As for Jasthorn, you are confusing all kinds of things - vehicular manslaughter does not get someone 10 - 15 years in prison. It was a car ACCIDENT and people are not prosecuted in these types of cases all the time. The decision not to charge her was not based on her fame (the LA prosecutors have shown that they will prosecute the rich and famous - even if they might not do it that well - when they think they have a case). And, 'those who commit a deadly sin will be punished'??? That might be true if Brandy was purposefully trying to run over the other person and kill her - the bible says thou shalt not MURDER - murder requires intent. Regardless of what actually happened, she did not intend to kill anyone. Although this might be the last post and the two of you might never read this, but you were both so wrong I just had to respond.

Posted by misguidedposts

Dec 30, 2007 10:18 AM

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I think it's just another case of a celebrity getting off because they are a celebrity. What they consider not enough evidence would be plenty to charge the "average" person. They would at least bring that person to trial. But being a celebrity she won't face any charges. Guess you can get away with anything if you're a star in Hollywood. Since when is Vehicular Manslaughter considered a Misdemeanor anyway? Doesn't matter to Brandy because she won't be charged either way. Way to go Hollywood!

Posted by dalefan7765

Dec 30, 2007 10:24 AM

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I an sorry but if this was anyone not famous there would have been some kind of charges. I hope the family wins their civil suit.
Posted by roamer Dec 30, 2007 1:13 PM Report Abuse

And what if it were true that there was evidence that the victim crashed into the car in front of her before being rear-ended by Brandy?

As for vehicular homicide being a misdemeanor, it is the equivalent of negligent homicide, which in many states is also a misdemeanor. Reckless driving is a misdemeanor. Reckless driving resulting in death is called vehicular homicide in Calif. The fact that reckless driving results in death doesn't bump it up to a felony.

I seem to remember Lane Garrison of "Prison Break" being involved in a car accident that resulted in the death of a minor. Because he was intoxicated, not only was he charged with a felony, but he pleaded guilty and is behind bars.

Posted by Sheldon

Dec 30, 2007 2:33 PM

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I am very happy to hear Brandy has been cleared of wrongdoing in this regard. It was truly an accident, due to no negligence on her part; this could have been any one of us stuck in a pile up. Of course at the same time, my heart goes out to the family and I grieve their tragegic loss. They are remembered in our prayers today.
Posted by Keddyhead Dec 30, 2007 8:39 PM Report Abuse

According to all of the news reports I have seen and read on this case Brandy was indeed part of a pile up that was triggered by the victim. There were also reports of certain drugs being in the victim's system. Of course none of this means the woman deserved what happened to her but as it is important to not automaitcally let celebs skate for their infractions it is also important to not assume the worst and condemn them out of hand without checking the facts.

I have been openly critical of celebs who are too stupid to find an alternative to driving themselves when they are intoxicated or otherwise impaired. But I certainly don't want to see them or anyone automaically condemned and punished in defiance of the facts.

I don't think anyone ever really stops punishing themselves for taking a life whether accidentally or not.

Posted by DaMess

Dec 31, 2007 2:24 AM

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You know not all celebrities get off just because they are famous. Brandy should have been cleared in this case and she was. You might want to read all the facts of the case before you automatically chalk it up to the famous thing. It's not much of an argument. Would you want someone judging you like that?
Posted by footballfran Dec 31, 2007 11:26 AM Report Abuse

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