A group of teenagers in Georgia, USA, armed with several rolls of toilet paper, drove to a teacher’s home to play a prank—planning to throw the toilet paper into the trees. Little did they know, their teacher, Jason Hughes, was already aware of their plan and was preparing to surprise them in return.
According to The New York Times, when the teacher ran towards the students, he slipped and fell on the street due to the ground being slick after rain. At that moment, the students had jumped into their car, getting ready to drive away.
The local sheriff’s office said that 18-year-old Jayden Ryan Wallace stands accused—along with four others—of running over Teacher Jason while driving away, resulting in Jason’s death.
Police stated that the young man faces charges of first-degree involuntary manslaughter, and is also charged with trespassing, reckless driving, and littering.
The deceased was 40-year-old Jason, and his wife Laura Hughes is also a teacher. In a statement, Laura said her husband shared a close relationship with the students involved.
She stated that her husband had not intended to confront the students, but was “excited to catch them all at once.” She called for all charges against the students to be dropped.
She said: “This is a terrible tragedy, and we are determined to prevent another tragedy from destroying these students’ futures. Such action would also go against my husband’s lifelong dedication to education and nurturing young people.”
Police said the incident occurred around 11:40 pm, and that Jayden and the others immediately exited the car to give first aid. Emergency personnel arrived shortly afterward and Jason was transported to the hospital, but was later pronounced dead.
According to reports, four other 18-year-olds with Jayden were charged with trespassing and littering at a private residence.
Police stated that all five teens were released on bail on the 8th.