87-Year-Old Charged In Deadly DUI Crash Case
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- An 87-year-old man is charged in a deadly DUI crash that happened in Miami-Dade County earlier this year.
Martin Hernandez appeared in court where a judge listed his bond at $42,000 but that changed quite quick.
Prosecutors pushed for high bond.
"He stated that he had 2 to 3 beers and his blood alcohol was .156 .134 and that was some time after the accident. So I am very concerned about the safety of the community if the defendant was to ever drive again," prosecutors argued.
Police took Hernandez into custody near NW 22nd Ave and NW 54th Street in Miami Sunday after a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Authorities say Hernandez is linked to a deadly crash at the 3000 block of NW 54th Street on March 26, 2017. A memorial stands in the spot where Zachery Baldwin died in the crash.
Investigators said Hernandez's car flipped over onto the sidewalk, sliding on its roof, hitting and killing Baldwin. After several months, blood tests came back and Hernandez was booked into jail.
Baldwin's family pleaded with the judge to up the bond in court on Monday.
"The bond is pretty low. Could we get the bond a little higher," said Baldwin's brother James.
After seeing Hernandez's license was suspended, the judge agreed and raised his bond to $77,000.
"I am worried sick about him getting out and driving. I understand the family is struggling with grief, but you've made some good points. What I'm going to do is change the bond," said Magistrate Judge Katherine Pooler.
Hernandez is facing a slew of charges including manslaughter while driving under the influence, vehicular homicide, DUI damage to property or person and reckless driving with damage to property or person.
According to the warrant, Hernandez is retired.
