TITUSVILLE, FL – A high-speed chase down Interstate 95 in Brevard County culminated in tragedy as three people were killed when a white Mercedes collided with two tow trucks on the shoulder of the road. The driver, 41-year-old Vernon Hodges, now faces DUI manslaughter charges, shedding light on a history of traffic offenses.
Witness footage captured the Mercedes weaving through traffic at alarming speeds before the catastrophic crash. The Florida Highway Patrol had attempted to stop Hodges, who was driving at 110 mph. His reckless journey ended abruptly when he attempted to exit at Exit 201, veering onto the shoulder and crashing into a tow truck.
An arrest affidavit reveals that Hodges, a habitual traffic offender, had two prior DUI convictions. His blood alcohol level at the time of the crash was recorded at 0.147, nearly twice the legal limit. Despite his license being revoked, he was behind the wheel, leading to the deadly incident.
The victims, identified as 31-year-old Alicia Maria Carter of Melbourne, 24-year-old Alicia Fulton of Palm Bay, and 41-year-old Leon Holmes of Vero Beach, were passengers in the Mercedes. Tragically, all three were partially ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene.
The crash’s impact was so severe that it caused catastrophic damage to the car’s front and passenger side. Hodges managed to escape the wreckage through the shattered windshield, while a 39-year-old tow truck worker from Palm Bay was also injured and hospitalized.
Investigators noted the presence of an alcoholic beverage odor in the vehicle and discovered an open, empty Corona bottle. Hodges was treated for his injuries before being charged with DUI manslaughter for the deaths of his passengers.
Family members of the victims are grappling with the loss and have requested privacy during this difficult time. They expressed that the crash was a preventable tragedy.
Hodges is scheduled to return to court for his arraignment as the investigation continues to unfold.