Unlicensed teen, dad charged in 2022 crash that killed ICU nurse, critically injured child
FORT LAUDERDALE -- Police in Miramar on Thursday announced the arrests of a teen and his father in connection with a violent wreck last year in which the unlicensed teen driver who was allegedly driving under the influence is accused of crashing into a car, killing a pregnant woman and critically injuring her young son.
Cristina Hernandez, 30, who worked as an ICU nurse, died during the Dec. 19, 2022 accident, which left her 7-year-old son Jacob with severe injuries, according to Miramar police, who held a news conference about the incident.
Family members said Jacob is still undergoing treatment at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital for his injuries.
Police said the 16-year-old unlicensed driver was under the influence of marijuana and traveling 113 miles per hour in a 45 MPH speed zone when he struck the woman's vehicle shortly after 2 p.m on Flamingo Road at Somerset Boulevard, said traffic investigator David Robbins.
The teen driver now faces 10 charges, including vehicular homicide, police said.
Police said the father of the teen has also been arrested in connection with the crash for allegedly providing his son with the vehicle.
The father of the teen driver was not immediately identified.
During the emotional news conference, relatives spoke about their grief and the impact the crash has had on their lives.
"My daughter Cristina was the best mother a child could have," her mother said tearfully during the news conference.
"My son is fighting for his life because some kid and his family were irresponsible and decided to ruin our family," said Anthony Estrada, the father of Jacob, who was left with severe injuries. "He just woke up a couple of weeks ago."