Driver pleads guilty in death of teen killed in crash after Lipscomb police chase

A Bessemer man has formally entered a guilty plea in connection with a fatal traffic accident that claimed the life of his teenage passenger following a police pursuit in Lipscomb.

Jarvis Terrell Owens, 26, appeared before Jefferson County Judge David Carpenter to plead guilty to felony murder and assault charges.

The Incident

The tragic wreck occurred on February 16, 2024, claiming the life of 18-year-old Hajsun Jermale Hudson Jr., a student at Bessemer City High School. According to authorities, the crash happened at 11:54 a.m. at the intersection of Sixth Avenue North and Fifth Street North in Lipscomb.

Police attempted a traffic stop on the Dodge Challenger driven by Owens due to reports of reckless driving and speeding. When Owens refused to stop, a brief pursuit ensued. Officers eventually terminated the chase, only to discover the vehicle shortly after it had struck a tree and overturned.

Legal Sentencing

As part of his plea agreement, Owens was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He will serve five years behind bars, followed by a five-year term of probation. The assault charge stems from the critical injuries sustained by a juvenile passenger in the vehicle during the wreck, while a second juvenile passenger was reported uninjured.

Remembering Hajsun Hudson Jr.

Following the crash, Hudson was transported to UAB Hospital, where he was removed from life support the next day. His grandmother, Edna Broaden, previously shared with 205focus.com that her grandson was a dedicated student on the “A Honor Roll” who was utilizing e-learning on the day of the tragedy.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Hudson was a diligent worker at the Burger King location in Five Points West. Broaden remembered him as a deeply respectful and kind young man who left a lasting impact on those who knew him.