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Driver Sentenced for Fatal Crash Killing Young Girl

3/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Javonnie Tavener, 23, received a sentence of three years and ten months for causing the death of four-year-old Mayar Yahia in a crash in Birmingham on April 14, 2024.
Tavener drove at excessive speed while trying to overtake another vehicle in a 20mph zone, used his phone, and was under the influence of cannabis.
He struck Mayar as she walked home from Eid celebrations, injuring her mother and another woman.
After fleeing the scene, Tavener returned and was arrested; the judge noted concerns about the leniency of the charges affecting the sentence.

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Story summary

Javonnie Tavener, 23, received a sentence of three years and ten months for causing the death of four-year-old Mayar Yahia in a crash in Birmingham on April 14, 2024.
Tavener drove at excessive speed while trying to overtake another vehicle in a 20mph zone, used his phone, and was under the influence of cannabis.
He struck Mayar as she walked home from Eid celebrations, injuring her mother and another woman.
After fleeing the scene, Tavener returned and was arrested; the judge noted concerns about the leniency of the charges affecting the sentence.