TL;DR
Police in Zion, Illinois charged Tynesha McCarty-Wroten, a TikTok creator known as Tea Tyme, with two felonies after a pedestrian was struck and later died. Surveillance footage and a livestream clip showing audio of the collision figure in the investigation; the defendant’s lawyer says the incident was an accident.
What happened
Local authorities in Zion, Illinois announced felony charges against Tynesha McCarty-Wroten, a social media creator who posts under the name Tea Tyme, after a pedestrian was fatally struck. The Zion Police Department filed counts of reckless homicide and aggravated use of a communications device resulting in death. A livestream clip that circulated on TikTok captured the moments around the impact: audio of a loud thud is followed by the streamer acknowledging she had hit someone. Investigators reviewed surveillance video that, according to police, shows the defendant’s vehicle entering an intersection while the traffic signal was still red and not appearing to slow or alter course before striking the pedestrian, who was later identified as Darren Lucas and pronounced dead at a hospital. McCarty-Wroten’s attorney told reporters that the defense will argue the collision was an accident and a negligent act rather than an intentional or reckless one.
Why it matters
- The case raises questions about driver attention and the risks of in-vehicle phone use while broadcasting live on social platforms.
- Criminal charges tied to use of a communications device indicate prosecutors may pursue technology-related theories of culpability.
- Video and surveillance evidence shared online can play a central role in both public awareness and formal investigations.
- Outcomes in this case could influence how law enforcement and courts treat livestreaming or phone use during fatal traffic incidents.
Key facts
- Charged: Tynesha McCarty-Wroten, who posts on TikTok as Tea Tyme.
- Jurisdiction: Zion Police Department in Illinois filed the charges.
- Criminal counts: reckless homicide and aggravated use of a communications device resulting in death.
- Videotape: a livestream clip captured audio at the time of impact and was reshared on TikTok.
- Surveillance footage: investigators say it showed the vehicle entering the intersection on a red light and not slowing before the collision.
- Victim: Darren Lucas was struck and later pronounced dead at the hospital.
- Defense position: the defendant’s lawyer said the evidence will show an accidental, negligent act rather than an intentional or reckless one.
- Reporting outlet: the New York Times is cited as reporting these developments.
What to watch next
- Timetable and outcomes of court proceedings related to the filed felony charges — not confirmed in the source.
- Whether prosecutors bring additional evidence or charges tied to phone use while driving — not confirmed in the source.
- Any public statement or policy response from TikTok about livestreaming or in-car broadcasts — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Reckless homicide: A criminal charge alleging death caused by conduct showing a disregard for the safety of others; exact legal elements vary by jurisdiction.
- Aggravated use of a communications device resulting in death: A charge asserting that use of a phone or other communications device contributed to a fatal outcome; statutes differ by state.
- Livestreaming: Broadcasting live video and audio in real time over the internet to an audience on platforms such as TikTok.
- Surveillance video: Footage recorded by fixed cameras, often used in investigations to document events at public locations.
Reader FAQ
Who has been charged?
Tynesha McCarty-Wroten, a TikTok creator who posts under the name Tea Tyme.
What charges were filed?
The Zion Police Department filed reckless homicide and aggravated use of a communications device resulting in death.
Was the incident captured on video?
Yes. Investigators cited a livestream clip and surveillance footage that were reviewed in the investigation.
Has TikTok commented or taken action?
Not confirmed in the source.
Are there confirmed court dates or additional charges?
Not confirmed in the source.
IN BRIEF Posted: 1:52 PM PST · December 28, 2025 IMAGE CREDITS: JAKUB PORZYCKI/NURPHOTO / GETTY IMAGES Anthony Ha Police charge driver who allegedly killed a pedestrian while livestreaming on…
Sources
- Police charge driver who allegedly killed a pedestrian while livestreaming on TikTok
- Woman charged in Zion pedestrian death while allegedly …
- TikTok creator charged in deadly pedestrian crash in Zion
- Illinois woman accused of killing pedestrian while live- …
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