Tampa Man Charged with Vehicular Homicide in Fatal Transit Center Crash
In Tampa, Robert Joseph Best has been charged with vehicular homicide following a fatal crash at the Marion Transit Center on March 19, which killed Jessica Barr. Authorities allege Best was under the influence of kratom and alcohol at the…
Tampa St. Petersburg, FL, October 7, 2026 — A Tampa resident, Robert Joseph Best, faces vehicular homicide charges in connection with a fatal crash that occurred on March 19 at the Marion Transit Center. The incident resulted in the death of Jessica Barr.
Authorities have alleged that Best was operating a vehicle while under the influence of both kratom and alcohol at the time of the collision. Investigators have reportedly gathered evidence to support these claims.
The evidence presented by authorities includes statements made by Best himself, findings from drug tests conducted, and records of chatbot searches related to kratom performed by Best shortly before the crash, according to reports.
The specific details of the crash, including the sequence of events leading to the fatality, the exact nature of the drug findings, and the full extent of Best’s statements, have not been fully detailed in publicly released information. The contractor involved in the investigation was not explicitly named.
Further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision is ongoing as the legal proceedings against Robert Joseph Best commence. The Marion Transit Center is a key transportation hub in Tampa, and the incident has drawn attention to issues concerning impaired driving.
Story summarized from the original created by By Tony Marrero, Times staff on www.tampabay.com, see more information here.
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