A 22-year-old Pompano Beach man is now facing serious felony charges in connection with a 2023 Florida Turnpike crash that killed one of his passengers and left another badly hurt. Authorities say the charges were filed Friday, months after the early-morning wreck on November 26, 2023.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol arrest affidavit obtained by WPBF, Rogier Axel Silva Mendez was driving north near mile marker 81 at about 4:20 a.m. when he tried to make an illegal U-turn across the northbound lanes. Troopers say his pickup moved into the path of an oncoming vehicle. Dashcam video from the other driver reportedly shows Silva Mendez’s truck creeping along in the outside lane with its turn signal on, then suddenly cutting across several lanes and colliding with the other vehicle.
All three people in Silva Mendez’s truck were rushed to Delray Medical Center. One passenger was later declared brain-dead on December 2, 2023, and died that evening, while another passenger suffered serious injuries. Troopers noted signs of impairment at the scene, and hospital testing showed alcohol in Silva Mendez’s system before any medication was administered, according to the affidavit. He also told investigators he had been drinking wine earlier in Miami and had little memory of what happened in the crash.
Charges and next steps
Silva Mendez is now charged with DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide. Authorities have not released information on his arraignment or bond, and a court date has not yet been publicly reported.
Legal implications
Under Florida law, DUI manslaughter - when a driver causes a death while under the influence - is defined in Florida Statutes §316.193 and carries felony penalties along with mandatory sentencing requirements if there is a conviction. Vehicular homicide, defined in Florida Statutes §782.071, covers deaths caused by reckless operation of a vehicle and can be charged even when impairment is not proven, depending on the evidence.
Why charges now
The crash and fatal injuries occurred in late 2023, but investigators continued working the case for months, reviewing the scene, physical evidence and hospital test results before filing charges, according to WPBF. In traffic fatality cases that may involve impairment, prosecutors often wait for complete forensic reports and a detailed affidavit so they are not forced to backtrack later in court.
What to watch
In the coming weeks, watch for arraignment filings in Palm Beach County and any public statements from the State Attorney’s Office as the case moves forward. Authorities are asking anyone with additional information about the crash to contact the Florida Highway Patrol.
