Woman who gave keys to drunk friend before fatal Polk County crash has been convicted of manslaughter

POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A woman who gave car keys to a drunk friend before a fatal accident in November 2021 in Polk County was convicted by a jury of manslaughter by a jury on Friday, according to prosecutor Brian Haas.

Michelle English, of Brandon, along with Lucretia Bruno, visited several bars in Lakeland on Nov. 24, 2021, Haas said. Bruno was very drunk and drove to a wawa where her keys were taken and handed over to a clerk.

According to Haas, Bruno called English, who went to Wawa and got Bruno’s car keys. Surveillance video showed English then handing the keys to Bruno, who exited the store and allegedly caused a fatal accident on I-4.

Haas said Bruno’s case of involuntary manslaughter under the influence of alcohol is still pending.

English will be sentenced July 24, Haas said.