TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Man Charged In Christmas Crash That Killed Three

ADVERTISEMENT

TBO Staff Report

Published: January 19, 2008

A 34-year-old Spring Hill man has been arrested in connection with a Christmas Day crash at U.S. 19 and Little Road that killed three people.

David Belniak is charged with DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide and reckless driving, the Florida Highway Patrol said in a news release. He turned himself in to state troopers Friday night without incident and was being held at the Pasco County Jail, the release said.

Belniak was headed north on U.S. 19 at 2:13 p.m. Dec. 25 in a Nissan pickup when he collided with the rear of a Chevrolet Tahoe SUV being driven by Raymond McWilliams, 64, of Hudson, the release said.

Riding with him were Linda McWilliams, 66, Gerard Bassi, 51, and Denise Bassi, 50, both of Connecticut. The fiery crash killed Gerard Bassi at the scene. Denise Bassi and Linda McWilliams died after being airlifted to Bayfront Medical Center.

Belniak's blood alcohol content was .045 and also contained cocaine and xanax, the release said.

Florida's legal limit for motorists is .08. Belniak was traveling at 88 mph in a posted 55 mph zone at impact, the release said.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT