A Miami man has been indicted on first-degree felony murder and multiple related charges after a high-speed chase ended in a crash that killed an Ormond Beach woman.
State Attorney R.J. Larizza announced the indictment of Stevens Charles, 40, during a press conference Monday at the Volusia County Courthouse in DeLand.
Investigators said Charles was fleeing Flagler County Sheriff’s deputies on September 16 when his Chevrolet Suburban slammed head-on into a Volkswagen Beetle near Destination Daytona. The crash killed Julia Wagner, 71, who was returning home after volunteering at AdventHealth Daytona Beach.
“If convicted of first-degree felony murder, Charles faces a mandatory life sentence without parole,” Larizza said.
Authorities said deputies had tried to stop Charles after spotting his SUV in Palm Coast in connection with a series of car burglaries in St. Johns County. Instead, he allegedly sped away at over 110 mph, striking a patrol car and continuing south on U.S. 1.
Charles then drove the wrong way up an I-95 off-ramp and crashed into Wagner’s vehicle, according to prosecutors.
“She didn’t have a chance,” Larizza said. “It’s horrific to see what that Suburban did to her Volkswagen.”
Wagner, married for 35 years, was described as a dedicated community volunteer.
Charles, a multiple-convicted felon, has an extensive criminal history across several states, including prior convictions for fleeing and eluding in Miami-Dade County.
Along with first-degree felony murder, Charles faces charges of vehicular homicide, aggravated fleeing and eluding causing death, resisting an officer with violence, and leaving the scene of a crash involving death.
“If he had just stopped and surrendered, he wouldn’t be facing life in prison,” Larizza said. “Now, he’s dealing with the consequences of his reckless choices.”
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