Florida Speeding Driver Kills Four in Alcohol-Fueled Crash
Miami Gardens, Florida – A tragic incident unfolded in Miami Gardens on Saturday evening when a 25-year-old driver, Antonio Wilcox Jr., allegedly under the influence of alcohol and speeding at nearly 100 mph, rear-ended a Nissan Altima carrying a family of three adults and five children.
The impact was catastrophic, killing 51-year-old Rosa Mae Jones and her three grandchildren: 10-year-old Irena, 8-year-old Zarina, and 10-year-old Kamari. Kamari was tragically celebrating his birthday at the time of the crash.
The victims were headed to the movie theater when the black Kia Sorento driven by Wilcox slammed into the back of their white Nissan Altima, sandwiching it between the SUV and a Cadillac Escalade in front.
Surveillance footage captured the horrific event, showing Wilcox’s excessive speed and the devastating impact.
"We can definitely confirm that speed was a factor and alcohol was also a factor," stated Executive Officer Emmanuel Jeanty at a news conference. "It’s a very tough night for our community."
Wilcox, who allegedly had alcohol in his system, was tested for additional factors contributing to his impairment. He was initially hospitalized but authorities later obtained a warrant for his arrest. Wilcox is facing four counts of vehicular homicide.
The family members who survived the crash are in critical condition. The children’s mother, Donika Johnson, suffered severe injuries and remains hospitalized. Thirteen-year-old Ka’Myra suffered critical brain damage, while Ariel Johnson, Donika’s partner, is also receiving medical attention.
A 7-year-old family friend, Cyrus Rankin, was also critically injured in the crash. His mother, Destiny Rosa, recalled her ominous feeling as she tracked her son’s location on his phone.
"I just felt it, a mom knows," she said. "As soon as he left my house I started tracking his location and he wasn’t moving and I just knew something was wrong."
According to police, at least three people in the victims’ car were not wearing seatbelts.
Ronald McCall, the father of Irena and Zarina, expressed his profound grief and remorse.
"Don’t drink and drive," he implored. "I get out and actually lose my babies to drinking and driving … They’ll never be back again. I’m left with only two. It’s hard."
The tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences of irresponsible driving and the importance of obeying traffic laws. The victims’ loved ones are left to cope with their unimaginable loss, while the community mourns the senseless tragedy.
