Woman charged in Bird Road crash that killed young boy surrenders to authorities

Melissa Vasquez’s truck was traveling at 82.7 mph at moment of impact, arrest report states

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A South Florida woman turned herself in to authorities Wednesday to face charges in a crash that left a young boy dead nearly a year ago.

That accident took place last summer on busy Bird Road and left several other people injured.

For nearly a year, the deceased little boy’s loved ones have been praying for justice and those prayers may be getting an answer.

Melissa Vasquez, 24, had nothing to say as she turned herself in to authorities.

She’s charged with vehicular homicide and three counts of reckless driving.

Detectives said Vasquez was the driver of a Ford F-150 on Bird Road and Southwest 92nd Avenue that was left mangled after the collision.

Authorities said it crashed into a Toyota Camry, which was left torn apart.

Inside was Yamileth Miranda, her 3-year-old daughter, Daisa, and her 7-year-old son, Christian, who was killed.

Troopers said all were wearing seat belts, but the impact was so violent that the little boy was ejected from the vehicle and decapitated.

Miranda’s daughter was injured so severely, she went into a coma and had to be placed on a ventilator for about four days.

She too was injured in the crash but survived.

Investigators said the single mother was trying to make a left turn onto Bird Road when she was hit.

Surveillance video showed a black pickup truck similar to Vasquez’s, appearing to be speeding down Bird Road moments before the crash.

Witnesses say the area is known for illegal street racing.

According to her arrest report, Vasquez’s truck was traveling at 82.7 mph at the moment of impact and 101.2 mph just one second before impact. The speed limit in that area is 40 mph.

Vasquez and her two passengers survived the crash.

Troopers say Vasquez will face a judge Thursday.

Local 10 News also learned that she is six months pregnant.


About the Author:

Christian De La Rosa joined Local 10 News in April 2017 after spending time as a reporter and anchor in Atlanta, San Diego, Orlando and Panama City Beach.