Pastor Charged After Daughter Dies in DUI Crash

Joel Leiniz, a former South Florida youth pastor, faces charges of vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter following a fatal January crash. Investigators determined Leiniz was driving 104 mph in a 40 mph zone while intoxicated, with a blood alcohol level of .083, when he lost control of his SUV. The vehicle struck a concrete pole, resulting in the death of his 8-year-old daughter, Zoe.

Leiniz and his two other daughters were hospitalized after the crash, which also reportedly caught fire. He claimed he swerved to avoid another vehicle, but the SUV's data recorder contradicted his account. This incident adds to a series of personal tragedies for Leiniz, who is a widower and lost his wife to cancer last year.

Leiniz pleaded not guilty and was granted $150,000 bail. A judge ordered he have no contact with his surviving daughters as a condition of his release, with child welfare services to oversee any visitation. Leiniz is unemployed and relies on survivor benefits and family support.