Cameron Herrin: 18-Year-Old ‘Handsome’ Felon, 24-Year Prison Sentence for Fatal Street-Racing Crash

Cameron Herrin, an American convicted felon, found himself in the headlines after a tragic incident in 2018. At just 18 years old, Herrin was involved in a fatal street-racing crash on Bayshore Boulevard in Florida that claimed the lives of a mother and her baby. This article delves into Herrin’s life before the accident, the details of the crash, his subsequent trial and sentencing, and where he is now.

Personal Facts About Cameron Herrin

Cameron Coyle Herrin, commonly known as Cameron, was born on September 9, 1999, in Texas, United States. As of early 2024, he is 24 years old. His parents, Chris and Cheryl Herrin, raised Cameron and his elder brother, Tristan Christopher Herrin, in Texas before relocating to Florida in 2005.

Cameron’s family is relatively affluent. His mother, Cheryl Herrin, is a retired South Tampa insurance executive, and his father, Chris Herrin, is a videographer and editor. The family resides in a luxurious Mediterranean-style home in the Ballast Point neighborhood of South Tampa. The house, which boasts five bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, and nearly 6,000 square feet of living space, was purchased for $1.4 million.

Family Members

Chris Herrin, Cameron’s father, specialized in corporate video presentations as a videographer and editor. He dedicated most of his time to raising Cameron and his brother, Tristan, at home. Chris is currently 64 years old.

Cheryl Herrin, Cameron’s mother, served as the vice president of State Farm Insurance Company’s Mid-Atlantic zone and was a member of the Board of Governors for Citizens Property Insurance. She is also 64 years old.

Cameron shares a close bond with his 26-year-old brother, Tristan. The two brothers often engaged in outdoor activities like lawn mowing, weed trimming, landscaping, jet skiing, and skydiving. They were well-known in their community for their willingness to help neighbors with yard work.

Cameron Herrin’s Education

In 2018, at the time of the Bayshore street-racing accident, Cameron Herrin was 18 years old and nearing his high school graduation from Tampa Catholic High School in Florida. He had plans to attend Hillsborough Community College to study marketing.

The 2018 Mustang GT involved in the fatal crash was a graduation gift from his parents. Cameron’s friend and classmate, John Alexander Barrineau, was also part of the incident, driving a Nissan Altima.

Andrea Urdaneta, a fellow graduating senior, expressed the community’s mixed feelings: “Everyone feels terrible for the victims and that a husband and father have to go through this world alone, but we also feel bad for Cameron, because we just graduated together.”

Details of the Bayshore Street-Racing Accident

On May 23, 2018, Cameron Herrin, his brother Tristan, and their friend John Barrineau were arrested by Tampa police for their involvement in a street race that led to the deaths of Jessica Raubenolt and her 21-month-old daughter, Lillia Raubenolt.

The crash occurred around noon near the intersection of W. Knights Avenue and Bayshore Boulevard. Jessica, a 24-year-old mother from Ohio, was pushing her daughter’s stroller and attempting to cross the street when she was struck by Cameron’s black 2018 Ford Mustang. At the time, Cameron was racing John Barrineau’s gold Nissan Altima, with his brother Tristan as a passenger in the Mustang. Cameron’s car was traveling at 102 mph, more than twice the posted speed limit.

Both victims were transported to Tampa General Hospital, where Jessica was pronounced dead. Lillia, who suffered severe injuries, passed away the following day.

Cameron’s attorney, John Fitzgibbons, emphasized that no alcohol or drugs were involved in the crash and that the cars stopped immediately at the scene. The Herrin brothers and John Barrineau were en route to LA Fitness for a workout, while Jessica and her daughter were walking back to a family member’s home after a morning walk.

Prison Sentence

In April 2021, Hillsborough Circuit Judge Christopher Nash sentenced Cameron Herrin to 24 years in prison for vehicular homicide and unlawful racing. This sentence was six years shy of the maximum 30-year term. The judge cited Cameron’s history of excessive speeding as a factor in his decision. Tristan Herrin, facing a street racing charge, saw his charges dropped by Hillsborough prosecutors in May 2021.

John Barrineau, Cameron’s friend, negotiated a plea agreement with the state, pleading guilty to two vehicular homicide charges and a misdemeanor racing charge. He received a six-year prison sentence followed by 15 years of probation.

Where Is Cameron Herrin Now?

Cameron Herrin’s case garnered a significant online following, with social media users campaigning to overturn his sentence. Despite these efforts, a Hillsborough County judge dismissed the motion to reduce his 24-year prison term. Cameron Herrin is currently serving his sentence at the Graceville Correctional Facility, a private state prison for men in Graceville, Jackson County, Florida. He is expected to be released in 2044, when he will be in his early 40s.

Judge Declines to Reduce Sentence

A judge recently declined to reduce Cameron Herrin’s 24-year prison sentence, despite a request from his defense lawyer. This request was based on comments made by ousted State Attorney Andrew Warren, who called the sentence “excessively harsh” after it was imposed.

In a voicemail to attorney John Fitzgibbons, Warren expressed surprise and disappointment at the sentence, but the State Attorney’s Office, now led by Susan Lopez, fought to uphold it. Judge Nash, acknowledging Warren’s criticism of the sentence, ultimately denied the request for a lesser sentence.

An appeals court had previously upheld Herrin’s sentence, which was given after he pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide charges for the deaths of Jessica and Lillia Reisinger-Raubenolt.

Legal Proceedings

Fitzgibbons expressed disappointment with the decision, reiterating that Warren had called the sentence “crazy” and “terrible.” He criticized Warren for not voicing his true opinions during the sentencing process. Warren, who is currently challenging his suspension by Governor Ron DeSantis, defended his actions, stating that his role was to hold the defendants accountable and deliver justice for the victims.

The crash, which occurred on May 23, 2018, along Bayshore Boulevard, involved Cameron Herrin driving a Ford Mustang GT at 102 mph. Witnesses reported that Herrin and Barrineau appeared to be racing. The Mustang struck Jessica and her daughter as they crossed the road, resulting in their tragic deaths.

Appeals and Final Sentencing

Despite multiple attempts by Fitzgibbons to negotiate a deal with the state before Herrin’s guilty plea, including offers to cap the sentence at 10, 15, and 18 years, the state rejected these proposals. Fitzgibbons also highlighted a series of attempts to negotiate a more lenient sentence, but the judge ultimately imposed a 24-year term.

Warren, in a statement, reiterated that two lives were lost and two more were ruined, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice.

Conclusion

The story of Cameron Herrin is a tragic example of how a split-second decision can have lifelong consequences. An 18-year-old with dreams of pursuing higher education and a bright future now faces decades behind bars. The accident that claimed the lives of Jessica and Lillia Raubenolt not only altered the course of Cameron’s life but also left a lasting impact on the victims’ family and the community.

Cameron Herrin’s case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of street racing and the importance of responsible driving. As he serves his sentence, the debate over the fairness of his punishment and the impact of his actions continues to resonate with many.