New Police Body Cam Video Raises Questions About Miami PD’s Investigation of Motorcycle Crash
Investigation into Horrific Motorcycle Crash
Sahily Cuevas, a nurse practitioner, quit her job to care for her daughter Marian Sanchez Cuevas, who was critically injured in a motorcycle crash eight months ago. Marian, 26, was the passenger on the motorcycle when it crashed in Coconut Grove.
Witness Describes Driver’s High-Speed Rifting
A witness described the driver, Nicolas Araujo, a Miami-Dade County firefighter, going "at a high rate of speed" and running a stop sign before hitting a curb. The witness estimated the speed between 70 to 100 miles per hour. However, the estimated speed listed in the crash report was 35 miles per hour, which is deemed suspicious.
Body Cam Video Reveals Investigative Lapses
Newly released body camera videos raise serious questions about how the Miami Police Department handled the investigation. The videos show police not conducting a thorough investigation, with officers weighing in on the case, but not collecting evidence. A detective measured tire marks, but no report from that investigation has been provided to the media.
Witness Statements Contradict Police Account
One witness stated that the driver went through the stop sign at 65-70 miles per hour. Another witness said the driver was "drunk" and should be locked up for life if he survived. However, Miami Police claimed there was no physical evidence to indicate the driver was impaired.
Lawsuit Filed, including Claim of Recklessness
A lawsuit has been filed against Nicolas Araujo, alleging that he gave motorcycle rides to demonstrate his bravado. The suit seeks damages of more than $5 million.
Marian’s Progress
Marian is showing some encouraging signs, but there is still a long road ahead. Her mother, Sahily Cuevas, is her primary caregiver, and the family hopes to see her daughter regain her independence.
Conclusion
The new body cam video raises serious questions about the Miami Police Department’s handling of the investigation. The city’s investigation was marred by inconsistencies, with officers often switching to silent mode, and important evidence not being collected. The case highlights the need for a more thorough and transparent investigation into this horrific motorcycle crash.
FAQs
Q: What happened in the motorcycle crash?
A: A motorcycle crashed in Coconut Grove, resulting in the passenger, 26-year-old Marian Sanchez Cuevas, suffering a traumatic brain injury and partial leg amputation.
Q: Who was the driver of the motorcycle?
A: Nicolas Araujo, a Miami-Dade County firefighter, was the driver.
Q: Was the driver impaired?
A: The police investigation did not find any evidence of impairment, but witnesses estimated the driver went at a high speed before the crash.
Q: What is the status of the investigation?
A: The Miami Police Department has refused to comment on the investigation, and the body cam video raises questions about the adequacy of the investigation.
Q: What is the status of the lawsuit?
A: A lawsuit has been filed against Nicolas Araujo, alleging recklessness and seeking damages of more than $5 million.
