The accident took place when Fleming was driving a Yamaha quad on a rural road. According to reports, a deer suddenly darted onto the road, causing the crash that led to Boyd’s death. Alyssa Boyd suffered extensive injuries and was pronounced dead following the incident. State police noted that neither Fleming nor Boyd were wearing helmets at the time of the crash, a detail that has added to the scrutiny surrounding the case. Fleming himself sustained serious injuries and was immediately transported to Guthrie Troy Community Hospital for treatment.
Fleming now faces a slew of felony charges, including homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, homicide by vehicle, aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence, and aggravated assault by vehicle. Additionally, he has been charged with a misdemeanor for driving under the influence. Court documents reveal that Fleming’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was allegedly .118 shortly after the crash, a factor that has significantly influenced the charges brought against him. Currently, Fleming is being held in a county jail, unable to post the $75,000 bail set for his release, as he awaits a preliminary hearing scheduled for October 22nd.
Fleming’s attorney, David Bahuriak, has publicly defended his client, arguing that the charges are disproportionate to the circumstances of the incident. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Bahuriak expressed deep sympathy for Boyd and her family but maintained that the case does not warrant a homicide charge. “Our hearts go out to this young lady and her family,” Bahuriak stated. “It’s unfortunate that the government has decided to put them—and Julian’s family—through such an ordeal when they should know the facts do not support a homicide charge here.” He emphasized that the incident was a tragic accident caused by an unavoidable collision with a deer, dismissing the relevance of alcohol in contributing to the crash. “The charges are not only harsh but they are also not supported by the facts in this case. And we intend to prove that. This is a sad and tragic accident. Nothing more, nothing less. This is not a homicide,” Bahuriak asserted.
Bahuriak further argued that Fleming is being treated unfairly, pointing to the emotional toll the accident has already taken on him. “He’s already felt an indescribable amount of pain and loss,” the attorney said, adding that pursuing criminal charges serves little purpose given the circumstances. “I can only imagine the amount of pain that the victim’s family has been through. But this is not a crime. This was unavoidable. They have evidence in this case that his ATV struck a deer that ran into the roadway. Alcohol’s got nothing to do with this accident.” Bahuriak’s defense hinges on the assertion that the collision was an unpredictable event caused by wildlife, not negligence or intoxication.
The case has drawn significant attention, not only due to the tragic loss of life but also because of Fleming’s background as a promising athlete. A former wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Fleming spent three years with the team before transferring to Penn State, where he played for the Nittany Lions in 2024. After his college career, he declared for the NFL Draft but went unselected. Shortly thereafter, he signed as a free agent with the Green Bay Packers. However, his contract was rescinded after he failed a physical, marking a significant setback in his professional aspirations. The ATV accident and subsequent legal troubles have further complicated his future, casting a shadow over what was once a bright athletic career.
The charges against Fleming highlight the complexities of determining culpability in cases involving accidents and alleged intoxication. Homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence is a serious charge that requires prosecutors to prove that Fleming’s actions directly led to Boyd’s death and that his intoxication was a contributing factor. The reported BAC of .118, which exceeds Pennsylvania’s legal limit of .08, is likely a central piece of evidence for the prosecution. However, Bahuriak’s defense challenges the causal link between Fleming’s alcohol consumption and the crash, arguing that the deer’s sudden appearance would have made the accident unavoidable regardless of sobriety.
The lack of helmets worn by both Fleming and Boyd adds another layer of complexity to the case. Pennsylvania law does not mandate helmet use for ATV riders over the age of 18, but the absence of protective gear may have exacerbated the severity of the injuries sustained. This detail could influence public perception and legal arguments regarding negligence, though it is unclear how much weight it will carry in court.
As the preliminary hearing approaches, the case is likely to generate further discussion about the balance between accountability and compassion in tragic accidents. For Boyd’s family, the loss of a young woman with her life ahead of her is an immeasurable tragedy. For Fleming, the legal battle threatens to define his future, both personally and professionally. The outcome of the hearing will determine whether the case proceeds to trial and could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
Fleming’s athletic career, once filled with promise, now serves as a backdrop to a deeply personal and legal struggle. His journey from a standout high school athlete to a college star at two prominent programs showcased his talent and determination. However, the NFL’s decision to rescind his contract after a failed physical already marked a significant hurdle. Now, with criminal charges looming, Fleming faces a far more daunting challenge. The public nature of his case, amplified by his status as a former college football player, adds pressure to an already emotionally charged situation.
The broader implications of this case touch on issues of responsibility, the role of alcohol in accidents, and the legal system’s approach to tragedies involving unforeseen circumstances. For now, Fleming remains in custody, awaiting his day in court, while his attorney prepares to challenge the charges. The preliminary hearing on October 22nd will be a critical moment, determining whether the case moves forward and how the legal system will interpret the facts surrounding this devastating incident.
In the meantime, the families of both Alyssa Boyd and Julian Fleming are left to grapple with the profound grief and uncertainty brought about by the accident. The legal process, while necessary, may prolong their pain as they seek closure. As Bahuriak noted, the case is a reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating impact of a single moment. Whether the court ultimately views this as a crime or a tragic accident remains to be seen, but the story of Julian Fleming and Alyssa Boyd serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences that can arise from unforeseen events on a quiet rural road.
