MIAMI, FL – In a case that has left three families grieving and seeking answers, a man accused of causing a deadly crash while driving under the influence was deported to Honduras before standing trial. The incident, which occurred two years ago on West Flagler, claimed the lives of Paula Savion, her boyfriend Jason Mesa, and his cousin Giselle Reyes. The families of the victims are now calling for legislative action to address what they see as a grave oversight by the authorities.
The deported suspect, Irwin Zuniga, was initially arrested for allegedly driving drunk and speeding when his vehicle collided with another, resulting in the tragic deaths. Zuniga had been placed under house arrest, monitored by a GPS device, while awaiting trial. However, in a surprising turn of events, he was deported by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to Honduras this summer, despite facing ten pending charges.
The Miami-Dade Corrections Department has faced criticism for allowing the deportation to occur, with officials admitting that miscommunication contributed to the oversight. They have since stated that they have updated their policies and retrained staff to prevent such incidents from happening again. However, the lack of progress and communication has left the victims’ families frustrated and doubtful.
The families have expressed their disillusionment with the system, emphasizing their ongoing pain and the need for accountability. “It’s been two years, and we still have no answers,” said one family member, highlighting the emotional toll the situation has taken on them. One victim’s sister, who left behind two young daughters, described her sister as having had her whole life ahead of her.
In response to the deportation, the state attorney’s office is reportedly collaborating with federal officials to locate Zuniga in Honduras. Meanwhile, the victims’ families are urging local congressional representatives to intervene and ensure justice is served. They have expressed concerns that their pleas are being ignored, despite their active participation in the democratic process.
The Miami-Dade Corrections Department has remained largely silent on the specifics of how Zuniga was deported, maintaining that they are unable to discuss the case until next March. This has only fueled the families’ frustration, as they seek transparency and action.
As the quest for justice continues, the families are left grappling with loss and uncertainty. Their calls for legislative support underscore the need for systemic changes to ensure that such a situation does not happen again.