‘I am deeply ashamed': Drunk driver off to prison for killing mother in 2024 Miami-Dade crash
A drunk driver who crashed into a woman’s car in Miami-Dade, killing her on the spot, pleaded guilty Tuesday and was sentenced to six years in prison.
Leonardo Remedios, 43, pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide, DUI manslaughter, and two counts of DUI causing property damage in connection with the December 2024 crash that killed Suleyca Rodríguez.
According to an arrest report, Remedios was behind the wheel of a black Volkswagen Tiguan when he ran a red light and slammed into a Nissan Altima at the intersection of Southwest 24th Street and the Palmetto Expressway. Police say he was driving under the influence and traveling at more than 90 mph at the time of the crash.
Rodríguez, a mother remembered for her joyful personality, was out shopping for Christmas presents when she was killed. She leaves behind a 6-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old daughter, now growing up without their mother.
“I remember Suleyca always laughing, listening to music, always with her family,” said her niece, Destiny Barrios. “The last thing I remember is how excited she was for Christmas… but she never got to see it.”
Nearly two years after the crash, Rodríguez’s family packed the courtroom, many wearing t-shirts with her face and Puerto Rican flags printed on them as they came face to face with the man responsible.
“I am deeply ashamed, not only for what I did to the victim, but also for what I did to the family,” Remedios told Judge Andrea Ricker Wolfson while pleading for mercy.
Remedios, who faced up to 30 years in prison, told the court he has taken steps to stop drinking with the support of his family.
Judge Wolfson sentenced him to six years in state prison, with a minimum mandatory of four years. After his release, Remedios will serve one year of community control followed by five years of reporting probation. He will also be required to undergo substance abuse treatment if necessary and attend Alcoholics Anonymous.
Judge Wolfson explained she realized how speed and the high blood alcohol level played a role, and also acknowledged Remedios had no criminal history and showed remorse.
Rodríguez’s family said the sentence does not reflect the magnitude of their loss.
“I hope he never forgets what he did and the impact this had on our family,” Barrios said. “Six years is not enough, but I’m glad the case is finally closed.”
Despite their disappointment, the family says they have chosen to forgive Remedios and are urging others not to drive under the influence.
“Call a friend or take an Uber,” Dorilee Santa, the victim’s sister, told NBC6.
