FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A Flagler County jury has found a woman guilty of vehicular homicide and reckless driving causing serious bodily injury after prosecutors said she deliberately jerked the steering wheel during an argument with her boyfriend while traveling at 94 mph on Interstate 95, causing a crash that left him paralyzed from the neck down.
25-year-old Leigha Catherine Marie Mumby was convicted on both charges following a two-day trial. Her boyfriend, Daniel Waterman, suffered catastrophic injuries in the Feb. 9, 2025, crash and died approximately eight months later.
Mumby faces up to 20 years in prison when she is sentenced.
Argument on I-95 Ends in High-Speed Crash Into Trees
According to prosecutors, Mumby was driving on Interstate 95 on Feb. 9, 2025, when she became involved in an argument with Waterman, who was riding in the vehicle.
During the confrontation, Mumby drove recklessly at speeds exceeding 100 mph.
Investigators determined that she was traveling approximately 94 mph when she suddenly turned the steering wheel to the left.
The maneuver caused the vehicle to leave the highway and crash into several trees.
Waterman suffered a broken neck in the collision, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down.
Victim Died Eight Months After Crash
Waterman survived the initial crash but sustained permanent, life-altering injuries.
He remained paralyzed following the collision and later developed pneumonia.
Waterman died Oct. 8, 2025, nearly eight months after the crash.
The prosecution subsequently pursued vehicular homicide and reckless driving with serious bodily injury charges against Mumby.
The Florida Highway Patrol investigated the crash.
Jury Convicts Mumby After Two-Day Trial
During the two-day trial, prosecutors presented evidence concerning Mumby’s driving behavior, the circumstances surrounding the crash and Waterman’s injuries and subsequent death.
The jury found Mumby guilty as charged of both vehicular homicide and reckless driving causing serious bodily injury.
State Attorney R.J. Larizza said the verdict demonstrated his office’s willingness to prosecute cases involving complicated technical evidence.
“This demonstrates our commitment to taking on complicated cases involving technical subject matter,” Larizza said.
“Accountability breeds justice – and this case exemplifies our mission to make justice a reality for our victims, our families and our communities.”
Assistant State Attorney Melissa Clark prosecuted the case on behalf of the State of Florida.
Sentencing Pending, Defendant Faces 20 Years
Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols presided over the trial and will impose Mumby’s sentence at a later date.
According to the State Attorney’s Office, Mumby faces a potential prison sentence of 20 years for the convictions.