2019-01-21 · Cork
Court orders extradition of alleged high-speed death fugitive to US
The High Court ordered the extradition of 23‑year‑old Samuel Joseph Tucker, who was arrested in Mayfield, Cork in August 2018 after a US extradition request. Tucker is wanted in Florida for a 2017 high‑speed crash that killed 22‑year‑old Alyssa Kay Vice. The crash involved a 2017 Maserati Ghibli travelling up to 140 mph, with Tucker's blood alcohol level reported at 0.162 g/dL, double the Florida limit. US charges include two counts of driving under the influence with property damage (maximum one year each) and one count of DUI manslaughter (minimum four years, maximum fifteen). Irish counsel argued the lack of mens rea in the US offence made extradition inappropriate, but Justice McDermott rejected this, stating the offence corresponds to Irish manslaughter. Tucker also claimed threats to his life, but the judge found the evidence insufficient to refuse extradition. The formal order will be made at 4 pm.