West Palm Beach, Florida — A Florida father and former youth pastor is facing serious criminal charges after investigators said he was driving more than twice the speed limit while impaired before crashing his SUV into a concrete pole, killing his 8-year-old daughter.
According to police, Joel Leiniz, 38, was driving with his three children on the night of Jan. 17 after leaving a church concert. The family was reportedly heading to a taco restaurant when the crash occurred along Military Trail in West Palm Beach.
Authorities allege the tragic collision could have been avoided, with evidence later revealing the SUV was traveling at an extremely high speed moments before impact.
Police Say SUV Was Traveling 104 MPH Before Impact
Investigators said Leiniz told officers he swerved to avoid hitting another vehicle before losing control and crashing into a concrete utility pole.
A security guard working near the crash scene reportedly confirmed seeing another vehicle involved, and surveillance footage also showed the SUV swerving before the collision.
However, investigators later examined the vehicle’s event data recorder, which showed the SUV was traveling 104 mph in a posted 40 mph zone. Police said the brakes were applied only about two seconds before the crash.
The violent impact left several occupants injured, including Leiniz’s 8-year-old daughter, Zoe, who was sitting in the back seat.
She was rushed to a nearby hospital but later died from her injuries.
Investigation Found Signs of Impairment
According to the criminal complaint, Leiniz told officers at the hospital that he did not believe he was speeding because he had his children in the vehicle.
Police also noted that one of the three children in the SUV was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
As the investigation continued, authorities reviewed blood test results and medical records, which allegedly showed Leiniz had a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.097, above Florida’s legal driving limit.
Based on the findings, investigators concluded that both excessive speed and impairment played significant roles in the fatal crash.
Former Youth Pastor Now Faces Serious Charges
Leiniz previously served as a youth pastor and ministry director at New Covenant Church.
According to reports, he had experienced significant personal hardship before the crash. His wife reportedly died from cancer about a year earlier, and the family had been relying on Social Security benefits and community donations for financial support.
Despite those circumstances, authorities moved forward with criminal charges after completing their investigation.
Leiniz has been charged with vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter in connection with his daughter’s death.
Court Proceedings Ahead
Police arrested Leiniz on Sunday, and he is currently being held at the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Main Detention Center on a $75,000 bond.
Court records show his next scheduled court appearance is Aug. 18, where the case is expected to move forward.
The tragedy has drawn attention to the devastating consequences that alleged impaired driving and excessive speeding can have, especially when children are passengers.
What are your thoughts on this heartbreaking case? Do you believe penalties for speeding and impaired driving with children in the vehicle should be tougher? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
