A teenager, who was arrested this week on charges of driving under the influence and vehicular homicide, is accused of registering twice the legal blood alcohol content limit after crashing into and killing an Ocala couple while allegedly traveling 120 miles per hour.
The fatal two-vehicle accident occurred at around 8:30 p.m. on February 20, near the 1500 block of SE 36th Avenue. When Ocala Police Department Officers arrived on scene, they observed a car that was fully engulfed in flames, according to OPD.
Ocala Fire Rescue arrived shortly thereafter, and firefighters immediately began combating the car fire. Within minutes, the flames were extinguished.
According to Ocala police, the car’s two occupants, husband and wife Spencer and Samantha Holden, sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Mr. Holden was ejected from the vehicle during the crash.
At the time of the incident, OPD stated that the second vehicle involved in the collision was driven by a teenager who was taken to a local hospital for treatment of “serious injuries.”
That teenager was later identified as 17-year-old Frank Scudder IV.
During their investigation, law enforcement officials determined that Scudder was allegedly driving at speeds of over 120 miles per hour moments before the collision. OPD added that there was “no evidence of braking” shortly before the fatal crash occurred.
When Scudder was initially taken to the hospital following the crash, a blood test revealed that his blood alcohol level was .188, which is more than twice the legal limit.
Scudder was subsequently arrested for two counts of DUI manslaughter, two counts of vehicular manslaughter, and three counts of DUI with property damage.
In a social media post, the Ocala Police Department stated that it “extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends affected by this tragedy.”
The police department added that “DUI-related crashes have severe consequences on our community. We take these cases seriously and are committed to bringing justice to the victims and their loved ones. We urge everyone to make responsible choices behind the wheel and never drink and drive.”