More than a year and a half after a fatal multi-vehicle crash on State Route 13 just outside of Schuyler County, one of the drivers involved has been charged with felony vehicular manslaughter.
The crash happened on the morning of October 26, 2023. Juria Vanness, of Ithaca, was driving a 2016 Ford Fusion northbound in the left lane when she approached another northbound vehicle, a 2019 Chevy Silverado towing a trailer with lawn equipment in the right lane. Meanwhile, a 2018 Freightliner and a 2021 Mack Truck were traveling south in the single southbound lane. According to State Police, Vanness crossed the double solid centerline into oncoming traffic. As she tried to merge back, she hit the driver’s side of the trailer being towed by 25-year-old Alexei Seymour of Millport. The collision sent both vehicles into the southbound lane, directly into the path of the Freightliner. The impact also threw a lawnmower from Seymour’s trailer into the path of the Mack Truck, which then struck it.
On February 27, 2025, a Chemung County Grand Jury indictment was issued for Vanness that charged her with:
- Vehicular Manslaughter 1st: Previous Conviction within 10 years (C Felony)
- Vehicular Manslaughter 1st: License Suspended/Revoked (C Felony)
- Aggravated Unlicensed Operator 1st (E Felony), Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs: Prior Conviction within 10 years (E Felony)
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th (A Misdemeanor)
On March 14, 2025, a Superior Court Warrant for Vanness’s arrest was issued and signed by Judge Ottavio Campanella.
On March 25, 2025, Vanness was processed at SP Horseheads and transported to Chemung County Jail.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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