Man Charged in DUI Crash That Killed His Daughter and Injured His Son
A Florida man has been arrested for DUI charges in connection with a November crash that killed his daughter and severely injured his son, authorities stated. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said the 30-year-old defendant was arrested Tuesday on charges of DUI manslaughter, DUI causing serious bodily injury, and two counts of negligent child abuse in connection with the November 7 crash after investigators received a toxicology report from the University of Florida Pathology Lab.
According to authorities, the defendant was driving a 2013 Kia four-door passenger car on Broadway Street near Lake Parker Drive in Lakeland shortly before 6:30 p.m. on November 7 when he allegedly ran a stop sign and struck a tree. His vehicle then caught fire causing his 5-year-old daughter to die. His 3-year-old son sustained burn injuries to his face.
According to investigators, there was “no obvious evidence of pre-impact braking” at the scene of the crash. After the crash, the defendant told detectives he exited the vehicle and tried to get his son out of the car, but he fell down and a stranger came to help.
The defendant was transported to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center with a broken ankle, an acetabular fracture, and multiple broken ribs.
The defendant claimed he had just one shot of Maker’s Mark bourbon whisky at around 1 p.m., hours before the crash. Investigators obtained a search warrant for a blood draw to test his impairment, something that they can do when there is a fatal accident.
On December 26, investigators received toxicology results that showed the defendant’s blood alcohol level was 0.25 or more than three times the legal limit.
DUI manslaughter and DUI causing serious bodily injury
Yes, you can be charged for the death or injury of a passenger in your vehicle while you are driving under the influence of alcohol. It isn’t just pedestrians and other drivers. Those in your vehicle are also considered when the law charges you with a DUI-related crime. In this case, the defendant injured his 3-year-old son and caused the death of his 5-year-old daughter. Because of this, he will be charged with both DUI manslaughter and DUI causing serious bodily injury.
DUI manslaughter is the most serious DUI-related offense you can be charged with. It is considered a second-degree felony under the law although those who leave the scene of a crash can be charged with a first-degree felony. Typical DUI manslaughter charges are considered second-degree felonies and are punishable by up to 15 years in state prison. Further, the law doesn’t let you get out of a prison sentence on DUI manslaughter charges. There is a mandatory minimum sentence of 4 years if you plead guilty or are convicted.
Talk to an Orlando, Florida DUI Defense Attorney Today
FL DUI Group represents the interests of Orlando residents who are facing DUI-related charges. Call our Florida DUI attorneys today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin preparing your defense immediately.
Source:
14news.com/2025/01/01/man-charged-with-dui-crash-that-killed-his-daughter-injured-his-son/
