Driver acquitted of manslaughter in Shelby County 10-year-old’s death sentenced for drugs
John David Winton, convicted of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, was sentenced to 12 months to serve in the county jail.
Ethan Parker 
A 47-year-old man, previously acquitted of manslaughter in connection to the 2024 death of a Shelby County fifth grader, is now heading to jail following a separate drug conviction.
Legal Proceedings
Earlier this year, a Shelby County jury found John David Winton not guilty of manslaughter in the death of 10-year-old Ember Poe. Following that verdict, Winton faced charges for unlawful possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
On Tuesday, Circuit Judge Jonathan Spann sentenced Winton to 32 months, with 12 months to be served in the Shelby County Jail. Winton was represented by attorneys Zander Carrie, Whitney Polson, and William Rayborn.
Background on the 2024 Tragedy
The incident occurred on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, as Ember was riding her scooter. The crash took place around 5:15 p.m. in the 300 block of Spring Creek Road. Ember was transported to Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham, where she was pronounced dead on Nov. 13.
The Shelby County Traffic Homicide Task Force conducted an investigation into the collision. While charging documents alleged that Winton was under the influence of a controlled substance during the crash, his legal defense maintained that there was no indication of drugs in his system at that time.
Subsequent Arrests and Civil Action
Court records indicate that three days following the fatal crash, Winton was arrested in possession of cocaine and a glass smoking pipe containing burned residue. Beyond these criminal proceedings, the family of Ember Poe has initiated a civil lawsuit against Winton and other parties involved.
