A high-speed crash on Military Trail near Purdy Lane in West Palm Beach on August 25, 2024, resulted in the deaths of two passengers and led to the arrest of the driver on charges including DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide.
According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, 21-year-old Joaquin Martinez was driving a gray 2014 Dodge Charger northbound at a high rate of speed when he lost control. The vehicle slid off the east shoulder, colliding with vegetation and a power pole. The impact ejected rear-seat passenger Joevante Haynes, 21, who was found deceased in a nearby parking lot.
Front-seat passenger Walterking Francios, who had just turned 18, was pronounced dead at St. Mary’s Medical Center. Another 18-year-old passenger sustained serious injuries.
Martinez exhibited signs of impairment and admitted to daily marijuana use; toxicology reports confirmed the presence of THC and amphetamines in his system. He faces multiple charges, including two counts each of DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide.
