Pregnant Florida Woman Charged After Boyfriend Dies Months After She ‘Intentionally’ Crashed Car Into Tree, Saying ‘You’ll Get What You Deserve’
PALM COAST, FLORIDA — A 24-year-old pregnant woman in Florida is facing a vehicular homicide charge after her boyfriend — who awoke from a coma and told police she intentionally crashed their car during an argument — died from complications months later.
According to investigators, Leigha Mumby told Daniel Waterman, 22, moments before the deadly February 9 crash, “I don’t care what happens, you’ll get what you deserve.” Seconds later, she allegedly swerved off Interstate 95, slamming their Honda Passport into a tree.
Waterman suffered catastrophic injuries and spent more than three months in a coma before briefly regaining consciousness — long enough to tell detectives that the crash was deliberate.
Crash Stemmed From Argument Over Pregnancy
Court records show the couple began arguing after Mumby discovered she was pregnant earlier that day. Waterman had also received a text from a female friend, which allegedly fueled Mumby’s anger.
During the confrontation, Waterman said, Mumby first slowed to 50 mph, prompting him to try and exit the car, but she then accelerated to nearly 90 mph before veering off the road.
Police later learned from a family member that Mumby sent a text message from Waterman’s phone just before the crash, saying, “This is what he gets for being a liar and a cheater.”
Man’s Final Words From Hospital
When Waterman awoke from his coma in May, he was unable to speak, so investigators used a letter board to allow him to spell out what had happened. He confirmed that Mumby caused the crash intentionally, according to Syracuse.com.
Waterman suffered severe spinal fractures, brain trauma, and multiple broken bones. He died on October 8, after developing pneumonia from his prolonged hospital stay.
His mother said he never lost hope despite his devastating injuries.
“He never gave up,” she told Syracuse.com. “He literally fought until the very end.”
Family Vows to Raise His Daughter
After Waterman’s death, prosecutors upgraded Mumby’s charges to vehicular homicide, along with aggravated battery and reckless driving causing serious bodily harm.
Waterman’s family says his dying wish was for his unborn daughter to be raised by his relatives in New York.
“We’ll do whatever we can to bring her to us,” his mother said. “He wanted her raised in New York with his family.”
Mumby was released on bond and is scheduled to appear in court on November 19.
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