Alex Garcia, Charged In Deadly New Year's Day Crash, Denied Bond

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Sixteen-year-old Alex Garcia, who is accused of killing four people in a violent New Year's Day crash at 79th Avenue and West Flagler Street, will remain in jail.

"The motion for retrial detention is granted for four counts of DUI manslaughter, on each of those counts Mr. Garcia will be held without bond," said Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Lody Jean.

In making her decision, the judge said she was concerned for the safety of the community and had concerns as to if he would follow the rules.

Garcia's attorney had asked for house arrest and a $50,000 bond for each of the DUI manslaughter counts.

Garcia's family was there to support him.

"Alex is my nephew. I tell him that he's always my marvelous nephew since he was born because he's always been a great child, very kind, sweet since he was young," said Marta Madero.

The judge's decision came after four days of bond hearings.

Surveillance video played on day two of his bond hearing showed his Tahoe speeding west on Flagler about 3:30 a.m. It collided with another car, killing the four people inside.

Florida Highway Patrol Corporal Christine Gracey told the judge the Tahoe was traveling at 105 mph and vehicles fused on impact, traveling nearly the length of a football field before stopping. She said the brakes had been applied less than half a second before impact.

Investigators said Garcia, who was driving on a learner's permit had alcohol and drugs in his system.

Andres Medina is the father of Yuhlia Gelats. She and her friends were killed in that crash. Medina clutched a stuffed animal a friend gave him, marking what would have been a milestone in his daughter's young life.

"My daughter was supposed to graduate last Saturday from FIU and continue on to get her master's degree.

Medina is pleased Garcia will remain in jail for now as he holds on to the memory of those four lives, four best friends, lost in a violent crash.

"They were inseparable and no matter what I think, we think they're together right now, helping each other out," said Medina.

Garcia, who has been charged as an adult, is also facing four counts of vehicular homicide, and two counts of DUI with serious bodily injury.