WEST PALM BEACH, Florida — A Florida pastor is facing serious criminal charges after investigators alleged he was driving at 104 mph while under the influence of alcohol when his SUV crashed into a concrete pole, killing his 8-year-old daughter just months after the family suffered another devastating loss.
Authorities arrested Joel Leiniz, 38, this week in connection with the Jan. 17 crash that claimed the life of his daughter, Zoe. According to investigators, the fatal wreck happened around 10 p.m. in West Palm Beach while Leiniz was traveling with his three daughters.
Police say vehicle was traveling 104 mph before impact
According to court documents, Leiniz was behind the wheel of a 2017 Audi Q7 when it struck a concrete pole in a 40 mph zone. Investigators allege the SUV was traveling 104 mph at the moment of impact, based on data recovered from the vehicle’s internal recording system.
The crash caused the vehicle to burst into flames, trapping those inside.
Zoe, 8, died in the fire, while Leiniz and his other two daughters, Esperanza and another daughter, were taken to the hospital with injuries.
Pastor claimed he was avoiding another vehicle
Following the crash, Leiniz reportedly told officers he had been driving his daughters to a Mexican restaurant after a church concert when he was forced to avoid an oncoming vehicle.
According to the arrest affidavit, he denied speeding, telling investigators he would not have driven recklessly because his daughters were in the vehicle.
However, investigators said the Audi’s onboard data contradicted that statement, indicating the SUV was traveling more than 60 mph above the posted speed limit when the crash occurred.
Blood-alcohol test led to DUI manslaughter charge
Hospital records cited in court documents show Leiniz had a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.083, slightly above Florida’s legal limit of 0.08.
Investigators believe his alcohol level was likely even higher at the time of the crash, as the test was administered after the collision.
As a result, authorities arrested him on July 19 and charged him with vehicular homicide and driving under the influence manslaughter.
Defense points to family tragedy and financial hardship
During Leiniz’s initial court appearance, defense attorney Anthony Genova asked the judge to reduce the requested $200,000 bond, describing his client as a “grieving, newly widowed father.”
The attorney said Leiniz had recently left his job to care for his family after his wife, Sarah Leiniz, died following a battle with cancer.
According to a fundraiser, Sarah died on Jan. 26, 2025, almost exactly one year before the fatal crash. The couple shared three daughters together.
Genova also told the court that Leiniz now depends on Social Security survivor benefits, along with support from his parents and sister, after exhausting much of his savings while caring for his late wife.
Court records indicate Leiniz previously served at New Covenant Church and most recently worked as a youth pastor.
Case moves forward after not guilty plea
Leiniz has pleaded not guilty to the charges. A judge ultimately set his bail at $150,000, lower than the amount prosecutors had requested.
It remains unclear when he is scheduled to appear in court again as the criminal case continues.
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