A LaFayette woman previously charged with DUI following a January 2025 crash that killed a Summerville man is now facing a first-degree homicide by vehicle charge.

Deta Joy Ratledge, 63, was booked into the Chattooga County Jail Sunday evening, October 5. According to jail booking information, Ratledge is charged with homicide by vehicle – first degree, DUI/drugs/less safe and following too closely.

The new charge stems from a multi-vehicle crash that occurred on January 24, 2025, on Georgia Highway 114 near Bargain Lane.

The crash claimed the life of 28-year-old Travis Bailey of Summerville.

WZQZ reported at the time that the crash began when a red Chevrolet S-10 broke down and was blocking the southbound lanes of Highway 114.

A Nissan Sentra stopped to avoid the disabled truck. A Toyota Corolla traveling behind the Nissan then struck the rear of the Sentra.

Bailey, who was driving the Toyota, got out of his vehicle and was standing near the rear of the car talking with witnesses.

According to information released by the Georgia State Patrol following the crash, a blue Jeep Compass driven by Ratledge then approached the scene. Witnesses attempted to use flashlights to get the driver’s attention and warn the approaching vehicle to slow down.

The witnesses were able to move out of the way, but the Jeep struck the Toyota and Bailey. Bailey died from his injuries at the scene.

WZQZ also reported during the original investigation that authorities found drug paraphernalia and prescription medications inside the Jeep. Investigators said Ratledge was impaired and agreed to a blood test.

The Georgia State Patrol Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team investigated the crash.

Ratledge was initially arrested in February 2025 and charged with DUI/drugs/less safe and following too closely. She was later released on bond.

The latest booking shows that Ratledge now faces the additional felony charge of first-degree homicide by vehicle in connection with Bailey’s death.