19-05-2025
Man charged with DUI, manslaughter in deadly Roanoke crash
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – Roanoke Police said a man has been charged with manslaughter after a single-vehicle accident involving DUI killed a woman from Bedford in Northeast on May 18.
According to RPD, on Sunday, a White BMW 540i, driven by 21-year-old Xaviar James Gaither of Roanoke, was allegedly speeding while in the left lane of Gainsboro Rd SW.
Police believe Gaither attempted to cut back into the right lane near the intersection with Patton Ave NW when he suddenly hit the curb on the east side of the street. This caused the car to exit the roadway, hit a streetlight, and go airborne before landing in a tree.
Officers arrived at the scene around 3:24 a.m. and found the BMW upside down in a tree.
Woman dies in rollover crash on I-81N in Wythe County
Gaither and another man were already standing outside; however, two women were still trapped inside the vehicle.
One of the women, later identified as 22-year-old Brooklin Makhia Goff of Bedford, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The remaining passengers were taken to the hospital for treatment. The second woman has been released, and one of the men is still reported to be in serious condition.
Gaither has been arrested and charged with DUI and manslaughter.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and they are consulting with the Commonwealth Attorney's Office to determine if additional charges are forthcoming.
WFXR News will update this story as more information becomes available.
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