Florida Teen Clocked at 124 MPH Before Deadly Lexus Crash That Killed Local Attorney, Injured Victim’s Mother
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA — A Florida teenager accused of driving her Lexus at more than 120 miles per hour before a deadly collision that killed a respected attorney and permanently injured the victim’s mother has now been formally charged with vehicular homicide and reckless driving.
According to prosecutors, 20-year-old Sofia Todorov was behind the wheel of a Lexus that slammed into a minivan driven by 84-year-old Virginia Baker, killing Baker’s daughter, 65-year-old attorney Lorene Seeler Young, during a crash that occurred on May 19, 2024, in Broward County.
Prosecutors Say Teen’s Lexus Reached 124 MPH Seconds Before Impact
Court documents reviewed by local media revealed that data from the vehicle’s “black box” recorded Todorov’s Lexus traveling 124 miles per hour just seconds before impact.
During her court appearance this week, prosecutors told the judge that Todorov’s extreme speed left no time for either driver to avoid the crash. Young died at the scene, while her elderly mother sustained “permanent and continuing injuries”, according to Law&Crime.
Video from WPLG News showed Todorov appearing in court on Wednesday, visibly emotional as prosecutors detailed the findings.
Defense Claims the Crash Was an Accident
Todorov’s defense attorney argued that the young woman was not intoxicated and said the collision was a tragic accident.
“She was not under the influence, Your Honor. This was not intentional,” the attorney said in court.
However, prosecutors emphasized the recklessness of driving more than double the legal speed limit, calling it a “preventable act of deadly negligence.”
The crash happened on a busy Broward County roadway where several witnesses reported hearing the Lexus “roar past” moments before the violent impact.
Family of Victims Files Civil Suit
In addition to criminal charges, Young’s children and Baker have filed a civil lawsuit against both Todorov and her mother, arguing that the mother should be held “vicariously liable” for allowing her daughter to operate the vehicle.
The lawsuit describes the pair’s actions as “grossly negligent,” citing the permanent damage and emotional trauma caused by the crash.
Judge Sets Bond, Issues Driving Ban and Passport Surrender
During her first court appearance, the judge ordered Todorov to surrender her passport, wear an ankle monitor, and avoid driving any motor vehicles while out on bond. Her bond was set at $65,000, and she remains in custody at the Broward County Jail as of Thursday.
The case has drawn widespread attention across South Florida due to the high speeds involved and the loss of a well-known community attorney.
Reckless driving continues to devastate families across the country. Share your thoughts on tougher penalties for high-speed drivers in the comments on ChicagoMusicGuide.com.