Man Arrested for Killing his Passenger and another Driver
Police have placed a man they say was responsible for a deadly crash in North Miami under arrest Tuesday.
Police placed 23-year-old Bendgy Francois under custody. Francois crashed into another vehicle before it burst into flames along Northeast 142nd Street and Northeast 10th Avenue in North Miami back in June.
Francois was ejected from the vehicle and suffered serious injuries from the accident. His passenger, however, died at the scene of the crash.
Francois is facing several charges including a third degree murder charge as well as the charge of vehicular homicide.
In the State of Florida, the charge of third degree homicide is when another person is killed, even if it is unintended. The death was the result of when the other person was engaged in another criminal or felony act such as burglary or other felony.
Vehicular homicide is when a person is killed as a result of another person operating a motor vehicle in a reckless manner. The reckless operation of that vehicle that is likely to cause death or great bodily harm to another person. Vehicular homicide is considered a felony of the first or of the second degree. If a person is convicted of vehicular homicide, it can carry penalties such as years of prison time, high fines and extensive hours of community service.
From the Florida Statutes:
- A felony of the second degree punishable by a maximum sentence of fifteen years in prison, and a $10,000,00 fine; OR
- The Charge of vehicular homicide may possibly be enhanced to a first degree felony punishable by thirty years in prison if at the time of the accident the person knew, or should have known, that the accident occurred; and the person failed to give information and render aid as required by law; OR
- Another type of vehicular homicide may be called ‘DUI manslaughter.’ Prosecution for this crime arises under an accusation that the driver drove while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, and as a result, the driver caused or contributed to the cause of the death of victim. DUI manslaughter has similar penalties as those for non-impaired driving and vehicular homicide.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident that involved serious injury, give our offices a call. Our legal professionals are here to answer any questions you may have and help you to determine the real value of your case. Medical expenses, long term care, rehabilitation and even funeral costs after a tragic loss of a beloved family member can add up. We will not only help you seek compensation, but can help you see justice is done and those who are responsible are held accountable. We have years of experience of successfully representing our clients in the Florida Courts. Your initial consultation is both confidential and free.