OCALA, Fla. — A 17-year-old Ocala resident has been arrested and charged with felony murder in connection with a May crash that claimed the lives of a husband and wife in their 70s, according to the Ocala Police Department.
The crash occurred on May 8, 2026, at the intersection of Southwest 38th Street and Southwest 67th Avenue Road.
Investigators said Estiben Garcia Luis was driving a Ford Mustang at a high rate of speed when he failed to stop at a stop sign and collided with a Ford Explorer.
The occupants of the Explorer, an elderly husband and wife, were seriously injured in the collision and transported to a hospital. Both later died from their injuries.
During the investigation, detectives learned that Garcia Luis and another individual had allegedly been involved in a robbery at the Ocala Sportsplex moments before the crash occurred.
According to police, detectives reviewed surveillance video, other evidence, and witness statements, which indicated the Mustang fled the robbery scene immediately before the fatal collision.
Detective Pfeifer, who led the investigation, determined there was probable cause to believe Garcia Luis participated in the robbery and was attempting to escape when the crash occurred.
Because the deaths happened during the commission of a felony, investigators pursued felony murder charges against Garcia Luis under Florida law.
Garcia Luis was taken into custody and booked on the charge.
Police have not released additional information regarding the alleged robbery or the identity of the second individual involved.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges could be possible as detectives continue reviewing evidence.
As with all criminal cases, Garcia Luis is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.