Celebrity Justice
Brandy Almost Off the Hook

The clock is ticking for the L.A. City Attorney's Office to file criminal charges against R&B singer Brandy, who was involved in a multiple car crash that killed Awatef Aboudihaj, the mother of two boys. The first anniversary of the accident, December 30, is fast approaching, but Brandy has not been charged.



Sources tell TMZ that the City Attorney's Office plans to make a decision at the very last moment. If charges aren't filed, chances are the public wouldn't notice over the holidays -- and the case would quietly go away.

TMZ spoke exclusively with Bill Sayed, lawyer for the victim's husband, Marouane Hdidou. Sayed questioned the delay, saying, "There is a death and obviously reckless driving involved, which is enough evidence for an involuntary manslaughter charge. As to why the City Attorney has taken this long? I think we would all like to know."

Over the past year, Brandy has pursued her usual activities; shopping, partying and living a normal life. Sayed says, "Brandy continues to live life with really no negative results ... doing what Brandy is doing ... as if though nothing has occurred here." He also describes how life has become a roller coaster for his client. "Thanksgiving just passed and he was all alone -- he has no family here."

On December 30, 2006, around 10:30AM, Brandy was driving her brand new Range Rover northbound on the 405 Freeway at about 65 mph -- and didn't notice when traffic in front of her slowed down. She then hit Awatef Aboudijah's car, which veered to the left and was hit by another vehicle before crashing into the center divider. Awatef died at the hospital eight hours later, from massive internal bleeding.

Tags: Bill Sayed, BillSayed, Brandy, Brandy car accident, Brandy car crash, Brandy Norwood, BrandyCarAccident, BrandyCarCrash, BrandyNorwood, car crash, CarCrash, City Attorney, CityAttorney, criminal charges, CriminalCharges

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46. This was an accident but one that could have been avoided. She needs to take responsibilty and own up to the punishment. When someone accidentally killed my cousin in a crash they got 4 months in jail and a few years probation. The punishment was light but it made everyone feel better knowing that it didn't just get forgotten.

Posted at 7:59PM on Nov 28th 2007 by LP

47. There's "accidents" and then just plain NOT PAYING ATTENTION AT ALL. If they can't get her criminally, I say go after her in a civil suit if that's possible. Going 65MPH and not paying ANY attention to the fact all the cars in front of her had their brakes on is just plain negligence like the other comments said. I'm sure if Ray Jay had died in an "accident" such as this, it would be a completely different outcome. Good comparison to the Rebecca Gayheart deal killing a kid while on her cell phone. They should pay by doing time or opening their fat wallets.

Posted at 7:58PM on Nov 28th 2007 by waterpants

48. As someone else said... a "Tap" isn't going 65 mph. I didn't know she's a scientologist... Interesting, yeah if that's the case she's definitely off the hook. Those people are terrifying.

I don't know whether she should be charged, I haven't seen the evidence. I do think she should be punished in some way... All celebs care about is money, they deserve to lose it because maybe they'll get their heads out of their asses and think about someone other than themselves...

It's sad that as someone posted there are children without a mother and a husband without a wife.. And brandy can go party and hang out and have fun... For the "leave brandy alone" folks... I sincerely hope you end up in the same position someday. Losing loved ones because someone was too busy doing something other than looking at the road.

Posted at 8:03PM on Nov 28th 2007 by Valerie

49. Dear SMARTER THAN YOU - we are ALL smarter than you..... and YOU should GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT!! Pick up the paper - read a police report - SOMETHING, before you post ridiculous statements - and base them on your version of the facts!

If this had been anyone else - the trial would already be over, and the culprit serving time! Yes, I'm sure it was an accident - but that does not mean that she escapes prosecution for her NEGLIGENCE! There was not any problem with her vehicle - it was OPERATOR ERROR, and she took responsibility for her driving ability the second she put that key in the ignition!

Posted at 8:09PM on Nov 28th 2007 by #3 is a joke

50. It has always sounded like an accident to me. An accident is not a criminal act. Sure, it's tragic that someone died, but we all take that chance every time we get into a car. The insurance should pay, and that should be the end of it.

Posted at 8:06PM on Nov 28th 2007 by Puh-lease

51. she needs 2 hire a driver.

Posted at 8:07PM on Nov 28th 2007 by army brat

52. It has already been proven that she wasn't on her cell phone. There are several legitimate newspapers online which have stated that she was not using her cell phone when the accident occurred and that she never left the scene of the accident. I have posted several of the facts about this case, but some of you dumb a-sses are completely devoid of any firing of the neurons in your head. TMZ wants to milk this case to the bone. I am not saying she is entirely innocent, but too many unfounded accusations have been brought against Brandy.

Posted at 8:09PM on Nov 28th 2007 by Amanda

53. Just one more example with the Hollywood crowd getting away with anything, even murder.

Posted at 8:12PM on Nov 28th 2007 by Kelly

54. my neice was killed by a 17 year old driver who was not drinking or on drugs, just busy dropping her phone and speeding thru and red light. im sorry but i have been driving since i was 16 and i have neeeeever been so irresponsible. believe me she was either talking on the phone or something stupid like that. im sure she didnt get up that day and plan to kill someone but believe me it devastates the family. they will neeeeever be the same. and when i hear you all saying that it was an accident and owell these things happen i want to slap your face. i can only hope that you have to go thru what my family is going thru and this family is going thru. she owes them everything for her stupidity. celebrities suck! carma is a biotch!

Posted at 8:16PM on Nov 28th 2007 by lisa

55. Brandy is not a drug abuser, alcoholic, or habitual partier. TMZ portrays her to be in the same category as Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, and Tara Reid which is just WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She isn't Lane Garrison either or a low-life. She doesn't go out every night and party at the local clubs and act like trash. She doesn't embarrass herself or have run ins with the law. She deserves more respect than much of the garbage that you post about her.

Posted at 8:21PM on Nov 28th 2007 by Amanda

56. lisa
sorry for your loss

Posted at 8:20PM on Nov 28th 2007 by Carol

57. You people are disgusting.....

Let this happen to any of you on your morning commute, I'm sure you'll be saying "I'm sorry.. " It was an accident"

*She was not drinking
*Not under the influence of a substance
*Not on her cell phone
*Did not leave the scene of the crime

Humans make mistakes.

Posted at 8:22PM on Nov 28th 2007 by baejae

58. Lisa,
It was an automobile accident and not intentional with malice. What planet are you from?? That isn't murder, but negligent driving which a case of vehicular manslaughter occurred. She can only get sued and not do too much time.
If it was a case of murder, then millions of drivers would be locked up in jail for making a bad judgment in driving.

Posted at 8:21PM on Nov 28th 2007 by Laura

59. Wow...
People on here are picture perfect

*Perfect Drivers
*Perfect Parents
*Perfect Citizens

Posted at 8:22PM on Nov 28th 2007 by baejae

60. Bitch should be in jail for the rest of her life, or worse.

Posted at 8:23PM on Nov 28th 2007 by meltz11

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