Judge Criticizes Miami Police Investigation into Motorcycle Crash
In September 2023, a motorcycle crash in Coconut Grove, Miami, left 26-year-old Marian Sanchez Cuevas with a traumatic brain injury and part of her leg amputated, leaving her unable to speak. The driver, Nicolas Araujo, a Miami-Dade County firefighter, was not on duty at the time and was issued a careless driving citation four months after the incident.
Investigation Criticized by Judge
Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Steve Leifman scolded the Miami Police Traffic Homicide detective on the case for not being prepared for the Zoom hearing, calling the investigation "unacceptable." The judge expressed frustration that the motorcycle driver was not given a blood alcohol test, which is standard procedure in cases of serious bodily injury.
Witness Testimonies
Two witnesses, who said they saw the motorcycle speeding and running a stop sign, were allowed to speak in court. Mike Forenza, one of the witnesses, described the crash as the "most cut and dry drunk driving thing I’ve ever seen." Body camera footage shows Forenza telling an officer on the scene, "If he makes it, he should go to jail, for life. If he makes it. The poor girl is – he has to be drunk."
Investigator’s Response
The Miami Police Department maintains that there was no physical evidence at the scene to indicate Nicolas was impaired, and his defense attorney agreed that there was no smell of alcohol, no reports of suspicion of alcohol, and no suspicion of alcohol in the case.
Outrage from Family and Friends
Marian’s family and friends are still seeking answers and justice. Her mother, Sahily Cuevas, is holding out hope that Marian will one day regain her ability to speak, saying, "We are hoping and waiting for the first words [from] her." Marian’s friends and family have also questioned why a blood alcohol test was not conducted.
Conclusion
The investigation into the motorcycle crash has raised serious concerns about the thoroughness of the Miami Police Department’s response and the lack of accountability in the case. The judge’s criticism of the investigation is a reminder that justice must be served, and families affected by such incidents deserve answers. As the case continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether justice will be served for Marian and her family.
FAQs
Q: What was the outcome of the traffic court hearing?
A: The motorcycle driver, Nicolas Araujo, did not attend the hearing, and his attorney entered a no-contest plea on his behalf. He was fined and his license was suspended.
Q: What is the current condition of Marian Sanchez Cuevas?
A: Marian has shown some encouraging signs of progress in recent months, but her road to recovery is a long one and she still suffers from a traumatic brain injury and the loss of her leg.
Q: What is the status of the civil lawsuit filed by Marian’s mother?
A: The lawsuit, which alleges that Nicolas Araujo was driving drunk, is still ongoing and seeks damages of more than $5 million.
