Miami Gardens, FL – A horrific drunk driving crash in Miami Gardens has left an entire family dead, including a 28-year-old mother and her four young children. Authorities confirmed that 25-year-old Antonio Wilcox Jr. was intoxicated and speeding when he violently rear-ended a white Nissan Altima at the intersection of Northwest 37th Avenue and 170th Street on Saturday night, February 8, 2025.

Surveillance footage captured the tragic moment as Wilcox’s black SUV slammed into the Altima at high speed, sandwiching it between his vehicle and a silver Cadillac Escalade traveling ahead. The impact was so severe that the Altima was completely crushed, leaving its occupants with no chance of survival.

Emergency response teams arrived swiftly at the chaotic scene, but despite their best efforts, all five individuals inside the Altima succumbed to their injuries at hospitals in Broward County. The deceased victims included 28-year-old Latoya Bennett, a Miami Gardens resident and devoted mother, along with her four children: 9-year-old Jayden Bennett, 7-year-old Amari Bennett, 4-year-old Mia Bennett, and 2-year-old Zion Bennett.

Eyewitness Accounts and Police Statement

The horrific crash left bystanders in shock. Several eyewitnesses reported seeing Wilcox’s SUV weaving through traffic at an extremely high speed just moments before the collision. “It was like he came out of nowhere, driving way too fast,” said Anthony Carter, who was refueling at a nearby gas station. “Then we heard this loud crash, and when we ran over, we saw the white car completely smashed.”

During a press briefing, Miami Gardens Police Executive Officer Emmanuel Jeanty addressed the media, confirming the devastating loss of life. “We have five fatalities,” Jeanty said solemnly. “One adult female and four children. This is an unspeakable tragedy.”

Jeanty also confirmed that at least five other individuals, including passengers in the Escalade, were hospitalized due to injuries sustained in the multi-vehicle pileup.

Drunk Driving and Speeding Confirmed as Causes

Investigators have determined that Wilcox was not only intoxicated but also significantly exceeding the speed limit at the time of the crash. “Speed was a major factor, and alcohol was also a factor,” Jeanty stated. Authorities confirmed that Wilcox’s blood alcohol content was well above the legal limit, and toxicology reports further indicated the presence of narcotics in his system.

Wilcox was taken into custody at the scene and later booked into Miami-Dade County Jail. He faces five counts of vehicular homicide, DUI manslaughter, and reckless driving causing serious bodily injury. Additional charges may follow pending further investigation.

Family and Community in Mourning

The Miami Gardens community is devastated by the loss of Latoya Bennett and her four children. Family members and neighbors have set up a memorial at the crash site, placing flowers, candles, and stuffed animals in remembrance of the young lives lost.

Latoya’s sister, Monica Bennett, expressed her heartbreak in a tearful statement. “My sister was the most loving mother. She dedicated everything to her kids. Now they’re gone because of one man’s selfish decision to drink and drive. I can’t believe they’re all gone.”

Local leaders are also speaking out in the wake of the tragedy. Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava called the crash “another painful reminder of the deadly consequences of drunk driving.” She added, “We must do more to ensure that irresponsible drivers like Wilcox never get behind the wheel in the first place.”

Legal Ramifications and Call for Justice

Legal experts believe that Wilcox could face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. Under Florida law, each count of DUI manslaughter carries a potential 15-year prison term, meaning he could face up to 75 years behind bars if found guilty on all counts.

“This is a textbook case of gross negligence,” said legal analyst Mark Stevenson. “The fact that he was both intoxicated and driving at a dangerous speed makes it clear-cut. Prosecutors will likely push for the maximum penalty.”

Miami Gardens residents are calling for stricter penalties for DUI offenders and an increase in DUI checkpoints to prevent future tragedies. “Too many innocent lives are lost because of drunk drivers,” said activist Denise Holloway. “Latoya and her babies deserved better.”

Community Support and Fundraiser for Funeral Expenses

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist the Bennett family with funeral expenses. Organizers hope to raise enough funds to cover burial costs and provide support for grieving relatives.

The Miami Gardens Police Department urges anyone with additional information about the crash to come forward. If you witnessed the accident or have relevant details, you can contact Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS.

As the city mourns this tragic loss, the focus remains on seeking justice for Latoya Bennett and her children while ensuring that reckless drivers are held accountable. This heartbreaking incident serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers of drunk driving and the need for vigilance on the roads.