Hernandez Sentenced to 18 Years for DUI that Killed Father and Son

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces the Honorable James E. Kallaher sentenced Danielle Hernandez to 18 years in Florida State Prison for two counts of DUI Manslaughter and one count of DUI with Serious Bodily Injury for the 2021 deadly crash that killed a father and son. Hernandez previously pleaded guilty in open court.

Around 9 p.m. March 1, 2021, Hernandez drove a pickup truck toward the “T” shaped intersection of County Road 209 and Bayard Road when she lost control turning left. There were three other people in the truck at the time: David Hardie Sr.; his 19-year-old son, David Hardie Jr.; and Hernandez’s 13- year-old daughter. The truck hit a tree and a wooden utility pole. Both Hardies died from the crash, and the 13-year-old girl suffered incapacitating injuries. Florida Highway Patrol’s investigation found the group was at a restaurant before the crash and Hernandez was drinking before she took the wheel to drive. Data from the truck showed there was little- to no breaking before Hernandez made the left turn at 66 mph. Hernandez’ blood alcohol level was tested at the hospital, and she was found to have a blood alcohol level of .177. Hernandez was on probation for a previous DUI at the time of the deadly crash.

The case was investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol and prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Hector Murcia Bustos.