Palm Coast man Charged with DUI Manslaughter

Woman in the Passenger Seat Killed

PALM COAST, FL – Kendall Jerel Thomas, a resident of Palm Coast, is accused of “contributing to the cause of death” of a 21-year-old woman when he crashed her car while driving under the influence of alcohol, according to a State Attorney’s Office spokeswoman.

According to court documents, on July 25, the twenty five year old was charged with DUI manslaughter following a Florida Highway Patrol investigation into the Nov. 16 crash that killed Victoria Ann Jordan. According to the FHP arrest report, Thomas’s blood alcohol concentration was 0.217, nearly four times the legal limit. In Florida, anyone whose BAC level indicates 0.08% or higher is convicted for driving under influence.

Thomas crashed on to Jordan’s Toyota while speeding on southbound U.S. 1 at about 2:40 a.m. after failing to negotiate a curve near Matanzas Woods Parkway, according to an FHP trooper. The car hit several trees after turning onto the other side of the road right before overturning. Jordan died on the spot.

They were both ejected from the seat and sustained major injuries, according to reports. “Under a trauma alert”, Thomas was brought to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach, the documents state.

“Therefore, it was concluded that Kendall J. Thomas(‘s) actions were the primary cause of this crash that resulted in Victoria Jordan’s untimely death and the damages to her 2000 Toyota Camry,” the arrest report states.

Thomas’s arrest warrant was signed by Judge Raul Zambrano on July 25th where he was immediately taken to the Flagler County Inmate Facility center. Later on, Thomas was released on a $50,000 bail.

In the State of Florida, the penalties for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol carries serious implications on one’s personal, social, family, and professional life. Not only the person faces embarrassment and public humiliation owing to criminal records, but also suffers from massive monetary and time loss. There are expensive legal fees and fines as well as jail time. The person convicted for a DUI may also have to attend DUI school, serve hours in community service, and install a mandatory ignition interlock device to their vehicle. In addition, they will also face high insurance premium on their car.

In order to avoid the challenges that your DUI conviction imposes, it is crucial for you to utilize the expertise and knowledge of a well-trained, qualified and experienced attorney who can guide you through the complicated courtroom proceedings as well as reduce the magnitude and intensity of your penalties.

If you suspect any suspicious activity that involves anyone to be drunk driving recklessly, please don’t hesitate to call 911 and report the incident immediately. You may be able to save the lives of so many innocent people on the road and prevent drunk driving accidents.