A former Penn State football standout now faces serious criminal charges, including homicide, following a fatal ATV crash that killed his girlfriend last spring, with prosecutors alleging alcohol impairment transformed a tragic accident into a crime.
Julian Fleming, 23, surrendered to Pennsylvania State Police and was charged on October 7th in connection with the death of Alyssa Boyd, also 23. The charges include homicide by vehicle while DUI, aggravated 𝒶𝓈𝓈𝒶𝓊𝓁𝓉 by vehicle, DUI, and careless driving. He was released after posting a $75,000 bond.
The fatal incident occurred on the evening of May 23rd in Bradford County. According to police, Fleming was driving the ATV with Boyd as his passenger when a deer entered the roadway. In attempting to avoid the animal, the vehicle collided with it and crashed.
Boyd suffered critical injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Fleming was hospitalized for treatment. Initial investigation pointed toward a tragic, unavoidable accident, with a deceased deer found nearby matching damage on the ATV.
A deeper investigation, however, uncovered evidence leading to the recent charges. Police allege Fleming was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. His defense attorney confirmed to NBC News that a blood alcohol test registered at 0.18, more than twice Pennsylvania’s legal limit of 0.08.
“A deer ran into the roadway. They were both knocked unconscious. When he came to, she wasn’t breathing. He was traumatized,” stated Fleming’s attorney, Brian McMonagle. “Regardless of whether there was alcohol involved or there wasn’t alcohol involved, this was an unavoidable event. He hasn’t done anything wrong.”
Prosecutors clearly disagree. The suite of felony charges indicates they believe Fleming’s alleged decision to operate the vehicle while impaired constituted criminal negligence that directly led to Boyd’s death. Officials also noted neither individual was wearing safety equipment like helmets.
The news sends shockwaves through the Penn State community, where Fleming was a well-known wide receiver before concluding his collegiate career. On social media, the couple appeared devoted. Last November, Boyd posted a tribute to Fleming with the caption “Proud of you three,” referencing his jersey number.
Following her death, Fleming posted an emotional tribute on June 2nd, writing, “Not a day will go by without you on my mind. Love you forever.” Boyd was a University of Alabama student studying psychology and a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority.
Her family described her as having a smile that “could light up any room” in a GoFundMe organized after her passing. The fundraiser’s description refers to the incident as an “accident,” though it remains unclear how the family views the subsequent criminal charges.
Legal experts note the introduction of alleged alcohol impairment is the critical factor elevating the case from a tragic accident to a potential criminal prosecution. “When you introduce alcohol into it, that’s what raises this to the level of a crime,” said criminal defense attorney John Day, analyzing the case.
The five-month gap between the crash and charges is not unusual, often attributed to awaiting toxicology results from backlogged state crime labs and completing a thorough investigation. The case also highlights that DUI laws apply to all motor vehicles, including ATVs, boats, and golf carts.
Fleming’s defense is expected to challenge the scientific evidence surrounding the blood alcohol test and emphasize the unpredictable nature of the deer causing the crash. Prosecutors will likely focus on the alleged conscious decision to drive impaired as the proximate cause of death.
With charges now filed, the case moves to the courts. Fleming is scheduled for a preliminary court appearance on October 22nd. He faces the possibility of significant prison time if convicted on the homicide charges, marking a devastating turn for two families and a community grappling with the loss of a young life.