TAMPA, Fla. – A 51-year-old Tampa woman has been arrested and charged with DUI manslaughter after a single-vehicle crash resulted in the death of her passenger early Monday morning.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call reporting a vehicle crash and fire at approximately 2:31 a.m. on Monday, April 14, 2025, in the area of 78th Street North under the Selmon Crosstown Expressway. Upon arrival, deputies found a van that had collided with the concrete median and was engulfed in flames.
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Deputies acted quickly, extracting both the driver and passenger from the burning vehicle. Both individuals were transported to Tampa General Hospital for medical treatment.
The driver, identified as Maria Elena Menjivar, 51, sustained minor injuries. Tragically, the passenger, 54-year-old Emilio Alfaro-Herrera, was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
During the subsequent investigation, deputies observed clear signs of impairment from Menjivar. A blood alcohol test revealed her blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to be 0.200, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08.
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Menjivar has been arrested and charged with DUI Manslaughter.
“There is no excuse for getting behind the wheel while impaired,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “One reckless decision took an innocent life. This tragedy should remind us all how devastating the consequences of impaired driving can be. Our hearts go out to the victim’s loved ones.”
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