(Hernando County, FL) On October 23, 2025, 34-year-old Corey Andrews French was found guilty by a jury of two counts of Vehicular Homicide, one count of Possession of a Firearm by Felon, and one count of Violation of Domestic Violence Injunction by Possessing a Firearm.

Judge Daniel Merritt sentenced the defendant to 30 years in prison.

On January 10, 2022, French was driving south along U.S.19 in Brooksville, FL, when he sped past a red light and drove over a median into the northbound lanes. The victim, 35-year-old Amber West, was turning when the defendant’s car struck her vehicle. West was pronounced deceased on scene by first responders. West’s six-month-old infant, Kody Burbage, died less than an hour later from injuries sustained from the crash.

The defendant was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries he sustained during the crash. While officials were clearing the crash scene, they conducted a tow inventory of the defendant’s vehicle, where they located a firearm in the center console. French, a convicted felon with a domestic violence injunction, is prohibited from possessing a firearm. The defendant was initially arrested on this charge pending the outcome of the crash investigation.

During the Florida Highway Patrol’s investigation, witnesses recounted seeing the defendant driving erratically, striking a stationary car, and damaging the vehicle just prior to the fatal accident. A review of dash cam video evidence provided by one witness showed the defendant travelling at high speeds during the time of impact.  

After reviewing the evidence presented and the witness’s statements, French was arrested and charged accordingly.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney D. Robert Lewis.

Published on 11/05/2025.