Mother, daughter sentenced in Catyb death

Briana Cherie Henderson, 15, and her mother Apryl Tucker, 37, of Navarre were sentenced today on charges that arose out of a May 31 crash on U.S. Highway 98 and Edgewood Drive that claimed the life of 77-year-old Margaret Catyb.

According to a State Attorney’s Office press release, Catyb was visiting Navarre from Dracut, Mass., to see her grandson graduate from Navarre High School. Her son, Alley Catyb was driving her to the Walmart at Tiger Point when Henderson pulled out in front of them. Henderson’s mother had allowed her to drive the vehicle and there was not a licensed driver with the 15-year old at the time.

Catyb was taken to Gulf Breeze Hospital where she later was pronounced dead.

Henderson pled no contest to violation of nonresident driver’s license exemption, violation of learner’s permit and running a stop sign. Santa Rosa County Judge Robert Hilliard placed Henderson on 6 months of probation with the condition that she speak at a victim impact panel at Navarre High School concerning the tragedy, write a letter of apology to the Catyb family, write a 1,000 word paper on the effects of driving a vehicle carelessly, perform 75 hours of community service, have no contact with the Catyb family, not possess alcohol or drugs and not operate a vehicle.

Henderson’s driving privileges were revoked for one year and she must pay fines and court costs in addition to restitution in the case. The victim’s family asked the Court to not impose a jail sentence on Henderson because of her age.

Tucker was convicted of allowing an unauthorized person to drive. She was placed on 6 months of probation and sentenced to serve 60 days in jail. The court suspended 40 days if Tucker successfully completes all the conditions of her probation, which include speaking at a victim impact panel at Navarre High School along with her daughter, performing 50 hours of community service work, have no contact with the victim’s family, write a letter of apology to the Catyb family and not possess any alcohol or drugs without a valid prescription. In addition, Tucker must pay fines and court costs and make restitution, and her driving privilege will be revoked for 6 months.