South Florida Youth Pastor Charged With DUI Manslaughter After Crash That Killed 8-Year-Old Daughter

A South Florida youth pastor has been charged with DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide following a January crash that claimed the life of his 8-year-old daughter in Palm Beach County.

According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, investigators determined the driver was traveling more than twice the posted speed limit moments before the crash and had a blood alcohol concentration above Florida’s legal limit.

The criminal case remains pending, and the charges are allegations that must be proven in court.

What We Know About the Fatal Crash

According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, the crash occurred on January 17, 2026, in the 2600 block of South Military Trail.

Investigators allege that Joel Isaias Leiniz, 39, was driving an Audi Q7 SUV southbound when the vehicle left the roadway and collided with a concrete utility pole.

The impact was so severe that the SUV caught fire, damaging the windshield and dashboard.

Authorities reported that:

• Leiniz was driving with his three children in the vehicle.
• His 8-year-old daughter, Zoe Leiniz, suffered catastrophic injuries.
• She was transported for medical treatment but was pronounced dead approximately one hour after the crash.
• The other children survived the collision.

According to investigators, the family was returning from a church concert and planned to stop for food before the crash occurred.

Investigators Allege Excessive Speed and Alcohol Contributed to the Crash

According to the arrest affidavit, investigators recovered data from the Audi’s Event Data Recorder (EDR), commonly referred to as the vehicle’s “black box.”

Authorities allege the data showed:

• The SUV was traveling approximately 104 mph in a 40 mph zone about five seconds before impact.
• The vehicle’s anti-lock braking system activated approximately two seconds before the collision.

Investigators also reported that blood testing showed Leiniz had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.083%, slightly above Florida’s legal limit of 0.08%.

A security guard working nearby reportedly told investigators he observed the Audi traveling at a high rate of speed immediately before the crash.

According to court documents, Leiniz told deputies he attempted to change lanes after noticing another vehicle ahead of him and lost control while trying to avoid a collision.

Investigators ultimately concluded there was probable cause to charge him with:

• DUI manslaughter.
• Vehicular homicide.

Leiniz was scheduled to make his first court appearance following his arrest.

Criminal Charges Do Not Determine Civil Liability

The criminal prosecution will determine whether the State can prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

A criminal case is separate from any civil legal proceedings that may arise from the same incident.

The filing of criminal charges does not constitute a conviction, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Potential Legal Issues Following a Fatal DUI Crash

Fatal crashes involving allegations of impaired driving and excessive speed often lead to both criminal investigations and civil claims.

Depending on the facts established during the investigation, several legal issues may be examined, including:

• Driver impairment.
• Excessive speed.
• Negligent operation of a motor vehicle.
• Compliance with child passenger safety laws, if applicable.
• Insurance coverage.
• Potential wrongful death claims.

When a fatal crash results from another person’s negligence or wrongful conduct, Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes §§768.16–768.26) may allow eligible survivors to pursue compensation for losses resulting from the death.

Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses.
• Medical expenses incurred before death.
• Loss of financial support and services.
• Mental pain and suffering for qualifying survivors.
• Loss of companionship and parental guidance.
• Other damages permitted under Florida law.

Each case depends on its unique facts, and liability is determined through the legal process.

Preserving Evidence Is Critical

Serious crashes involving allegations of impairment often require extensive forensic investigation.

Important evidence may include:

• Event Data Recorder (“black box”) information.
• Toxicology reports.
• Crash scene photographs.
• Surveillance or traffic camera footage.
• Witness statements.
• Vehicle inspection reports.
• Accident reconstruction findings.
• Cell phone records, when appropriate.

Preserving this evidence helps investigators accurately determine the sequence of events leading to the collision.

Investigation and Criminal Case Continue

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has completed its investigation, and the criminal case will now proceed through the court system.

Additional information may become available as evidence is presented during future court proceedings.

Remembering Zoe Leiniz

The death of a child is an unimaginable tragedy that forever changes the lives of everyone involved. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Zoe Leiniz’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. As the legal process moves forward, the case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from impaired and reckless driving.