Port Charlotte woman accused of DUI, vehicular manslaughter in 2025 Cape Coral crash

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. —

A Port Charlotte woman was arrested on Thursday after being accused of DUI manslaughter in relation to a 2025 crash in Cape Coral.

According to the Cape Coral Police Department, on June 4, 2025, officers responded to a road-rage-related two-vehicle crash on Burnt Store Road North.

CCPD said that in the crash, one vehicle left the roadway, entered a canal and the driver died at the scene. Through investigation, officers say they found that the at-fault driver, identified as Jessica Hearn, 25, had brake-checked the victim and intentionally changed lanes into the victim's path, causing the fatal crash.

Investigators observed signs of impairment and obtained a blood draw, which confirmed that Hearn's blood alcohol content was above the legal limit, CCPD said.

Hearn was arrested in Charlotte County and will be extradited to Lee County to face charges of DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide.

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.