A man accused of killing three young people in a high-speed drunk driving crash in Florida has been arrested overseas—almost a year after he was mistakenly deported to Honduras.
Tragic Car Crash in Miami
Erwin Zuniga, who was 26 at the time of the 2022 crash, was allegedly driving over 125 mph in a 40 mph zone when he lost control of his car and slammed into a gas station sign on West Flagler Street in Miami. According to police, he had been drinking heavily and had both alcohol and THC (a substance found in cannabis) in his system.
The crash killed three passengers who were in the car with him:
Paola Sabillon, 19
Her boyfriend, Jason Meza
Jason’s cousin, Giselle Reyes
A fourth passenger survived but was critically injured.
Witnesses Say Zuniga Was Drinking Before the Crash
Eyewitnesses told police that Zuniga was seen drinking five to six shots of whiskey before he drove the group to a club that night. Police believe his reckless driving under the influence caused the deadly crash.
Zuniga was supposed to stay in Miami under house arrest to face multiple serious charges, including:
Three counts of DUI manslaughter
Three counts of reckless vehicular homicide
Accidental Deportation to Honduras
However, in a shocking turn of events, Zuniga was mistakenly deported to Honduras by Miami-Dade jail officials. At the time, he was unlawfully present in the United States, but he was still supposed to remain in Miami to face trial.
According to news reports, the Miami-Dade Corrections Department admitted the error and said that several officers would face disciplinary action. But the full details of how the mistake happened have not been shared with the public.
Victims’ Families Speak Out
The families of the three victims were furious when they learned about Zuniga’s deportation.
Miriam Castillo, the sister of victim Paola Sabillon, told WSVN news:
“Very mad. If we have to walk outside the courthouse and make noise, we will do it. He has to come back. He has to pay for what he did.”
Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Laura Shearon Cruz also expressed disappointment, saying that the court was unaware of Zuniga’s deportation until just before the trial was set to begin.
“These are definitely heinous crimes,” the judge said.
Arrest in Spain and Extradition Plans
Now, nearly a year later, Zuniga has been found and arrested in Spain, according to sources close to the investigation. U.S. federal officials are working on bringing him back to Miami-Dade County so he can finally face trial for the deaths of Sabillon, Meza, and Reyes.
The arrest brings some relief to the victims’ families, who have been fighting for justice since the accident.
