A seemingly ordinary morning in Miami turned tragic when a high-speed car crash claimed the lives of two individuals and left another injured. The driver, 24-year-old Macy Marie Lathers, an Instagram model, now faces serious DUI manslaughter charges. As the case unfolds, authorities are piecing together the events that led to this devastating incident.
A Chaotic Scene Unfolds
At approximately 6:45 a.m. on August 10th, a white Mercedes, allegedly driven by Lathers, collided with a black Range Rover at high speed. The impact sent the SUV careening into a Suzuki, resulting in a multi-car pileup. Tragically, two occupants of the Suzuki, Abraham Ismael Molina Cruz and Jesus Rubio, were pronounced dead at the scene.
First responders arrived to find a chaotic scene, with wreckage strewn across the road. Bodycam footage obtained by Law & Crime shows officers working frantically to extract individuals from the mangled vehicles.
The Driver’s Erratic Behavior Raises Red Flags
While tending to the injured, officers encountered Lathers, who witnesses claimed had attempted to flee the scene after the crash. Bodycam footage captures Lathers lying on the ground, handcuffed, and displaying erratic behavior. She moans, rolls around in apparent pain, and seems disoriented.
When questioned about her condition, Lathers reveals she had taken “tusi,” also known as “pink cocaine.” This synthetic drug, a dangerous cocktail of substances including ketamine, ecstasy, cocaine, meth, opioids, and other psychoactive ingredients, is known for its unpredictable and often intense effects.
Bodycam footage shows a Miami Police officer talking to Macy Marie Lathers at the scene of the crash.
Evidence Mounts Against the Instagram Model
As the investigation progressed, authorities discovered Lathers was driving without a valid driver’s license, having had it suspended indefinitely in January 2024. Furthermore, data retrieved from the Mercedes’ computer revealed the extent of Lathers’ reckless driving.
The speed limit on the stretch of road where the crash occurred is 30 mph. Data indicates that Lathers had been traveling at 57 mph, accelerating to nearly 80 mph just before impact. This evidence, coupled with witness accounts and Lathers’ own admission of drug use, painted a grim picture for the young Instagram model.
From Bond to Back Behind Bars: A Downward Spiral
Initially, Lathers was released on a $140,000 bond. However, as investigators uncovered more evidence, including the shocking speed at which she was driving, additional charges were brought against her.
During a subsequent court appearance, Lathers’ bond was revoked, and she was remanded into custody. The new charges include two counts of DUI manslaughter for the deaths of Ismael and Rubio, with the aggravating factor of failure to render aid. She also faces charges of DUI causing bodily injury, reckless driving causing serious injury, driving without a driver’s license resulting in injury or death, vehicular homicide caused by failure to stop, and leaving the scene of an accident involving death.
Legal Experts Weigh In
Legal experts believe the prosecution has a strong case against Lathers. The evidence, including her admission of drug use, the car’s speed data, and witness testimonies, all point to her culpability in the crash.
Florida trial attorney Alexis Rosenberg, speaking with Law & Crime, stated, “It appears to be that it’s going to be very much of an uphill battle for whoever is defending this case.”
Rosenberg further explained that Lathers’ defense strategy remains unclear, though it’s likely they’ll argue she was unaware of the drug’s potency or that her drink was spiked. However, her recorded statements at the scene contradict these claims.
The Victims’ Families Seek Justice and Support
The families of the victims are grappling with the sudden and tragic loss of their loved ones. Wanita Hernandez, who was in the Suzuki with Cruz and Rubio and sustained injuries, expressed her grief and anger, stating that Lathers showed no remorse.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist Hernandez, who is currently unable to work due to her injuries, and Cruz’s 16-year-old son, who is now without his father.
A Stark Reminder of the Devastating Consequences of Reckless Driving
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Lives were lost, families shattered, and a community left reeling from a preventable tragedy.
As the legal process unfolds, all eyes remain on the case of Macy Marie Lathers, the Instagram model whose alleged actions have resulted in unimaginable heartbreak and irreversible consequences.
