Lovingood Pleads Guilty to DUI Manslaughter, Sentenced to 15 Years

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Joshua Lovingood, of Jacksonville, was sentenced by the Honorable Mark Borello to 15 years in Florida State Prison for the DUI Manslaughter death of Bryn Turner. Lovingood previously pleaded guilty to DUI Manslaughter, Driving Under the Influence with Damage, and Driving While License Suspended or Revoked.

On July 11, 2019, Lovingood worked an afternoon/evening shift as a bartender at a Beaches area brewery. During his shift, he was observed having several alcoholic beverages with customers. Just before midnight, he left the business and drove to 2nd Street North in Jacksonville Beach. An investigation determined he was driving between 56 mph and 71 mph on 2nd Street North, which is a 25-mph zone, when he struck victim Bryn Turner and another pedestrian victim. After striking the two with his vehicle, Lovingood continued traveling south across 6th Avenue North, onto a sidewalk, struck a tree, and overturned. Turner died at the scene, while the other victim sustained serious injuries. Lovingood consented to a blood draw by law enforcement several hours later showed a Blood Alcohol Content level of .228, well over two times the legal limit to operate a vehicle. Additionally, Lovingood was operating the vehicle while his license was suspended.

The case was investigated by the Jacksonville Beach Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney John Kalinowski.