photo by: The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office
A high-speed collision in unincorporated West Palm Beach resulted in two deaths and serious injuries – and now homicide charges after an allegedly stoned driver was found to be going twice the speed limit, in the rain, on bald tires.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) Vehicle Homicide Unit said on the morning of August 25, 2024, 21-year-old JM was driving a gray 2014 Dodge Charger northbound on Military Trail near Purdy Lane at a high rate of speed when he lost control. The Dodge Charger slid and spun out, off the east shoulder of the roadway, where it eventually collided with vegetation and a power pole.
The sheriff’s office said the impact was so severe that it ejected the rear-seat passenger, 21-year-old JH, who was found dead in a nearby parking lot. The front-seat passenger, WF, was pronounced dead at St. Mary’s Medical Center. It was his 18th birthday. PBSO said a third passenger, an 18-year-old boy sustained internal injuries and a broken neck as a result of the crash.
M was assessed for impairment at St. Mary’s Medical Center, where he exhibited signs of impairment and admitted to being a daily marijuana user, according to the investigator. Toxicology reports showed significant levels of Delta-9-THC, Hydroxy-THC, Cannabinol, Carboxy-THC, and Amphetamine in his system.
Upon arriving at the scene, vehicle homicide investigators noted tire and scrape marks on the sidewalk near the power pole, consistent with a high-speed impact. The roadway was wet from heavy rain, which obscured some markings, according to PBSO. The damage to the vehicle indicated a high-speed collision, with the car sliding sideways at the time of impact.
Detectives reviewed surveillance footage from the Real Time Crime Center, which captured the vehicle traveling at high speed and sliding sideways on the rain-soaked roadway before hitting the power pole. The event data recorder revealed the car was traveling at 90 mph five seconds before the airbag deployed, with brakes activated and the vehicle steering fully to the right, according to the arrest affidavit.
A vehicle inspection found that the rear tires were completely bald, contributing to the loss of control.
The investigation concluded and PBSO said M’s reckless driving, high speed, and impaired state were the primary causes of the collision. The bald tires and wet roadway further contributed to the loss of control. The crash resulted in the deaths of JH and WF, with the other victim sustaining serious injuries.
M faces two counts of vehicular homicide, two counts of DUI manslaughter, reckless driving serious bodily injury, and DUI serious bodily injury. He was arrested and booked into the Palm Beach County Jail on Wednesday night.
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source: cbs12
