Driver High on Meth and Cocaine Kills Florida Mother in DUI Crash
A Florida driver was released from jail the morning after being charged with DUI. Hours later, the same driver caused a fatal accident that killed a Florida mom driving her three kids, according to Florida authorities. The 33-year-old suspect is facing 27 charges in connection with the Feb. 28 head-on crash. He stands accused of being high on meth and cocaine at the time of the accident.
The suspect was first arrested on Feb. 27 when someone reported a motorist driving recklessly in Pinellas County. Deputies wrote in a motion for pretrial detention. The suspect’s blood alcohol level was zero, but deputies said that the suspect showed signs of being on drugs, so they arrested him and booked him in jail, court records show. The suspect posted bond the next morning and was back on the road in his minivan, even though his license had been suspended the night before.
Later that afternoon, the suspect was driving 13 mph over the speed limit in Hillsborough County when he drifted into oncoming traffic and hit a Lincoln Town Car that was driven by the 36-year-old victim. Crash data shows that the suspect did not hit the brakes before crashing into the family at around 58 mph. The victim was trapped in the driver seat and died, while her three kids, ages, 4, 6, and 15, were seriously injured.
Police reported that they searched the suspect’s minivan after the crash and found a suitcase filled with methamphetamine, oxycodone, Xanax, ecstasy, and carisoprodol, a muscle relaxer. The suspect was also hospitalized and arrested on charges including:
- Vehicular homicide
- DUI manslaughter
- DUI causing serious bodily injury
- Several traffic offenses related to the accident
- Several drug offenses related to the suitcase
Understanding DUI manslaughter charges
To convict the particular suspect of DUI manslaughter, the prosecutor will have to establish that the suspect was in control of the vehicle, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and caused the accident that took the life of the victim. This last bit is vital. To convict someone of DUI manslaughter charges, you must establish that they were responsible for the accident. In this case, the suspect swerved his vehicle into oncoming traffic.
Police will also attempt to procure a blood draw from the suspect to prove that he was under the influence of meth and cocaine when the accident occurred. In this case, the suspect has no choice but to submit to the blood draw because the accident involved a fatality. A suspect in a DUI accident can be forced to give a blood sample if they cause serious bodily injury or death during the accident.
Talk to an Orlando, FL DUI Attorney Today
FL DUI Group represents the interests of Orlando residents who have been charged with a DUI-related offense. Call our Florida DUI defense lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin preparing your defense right away.
Source:
miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article302231329.html
