POLK COUNTY, Fla. – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 30-year-old Kody Wills of Lakeland on December 31, 2024. Wills faces multiple charges, including DUI manslaughter, DUI causing serious bodily injury, and two counts of negligent child abuse, stemming from a tragic crash on November 7 that resulted in the death of his 5-year-old daughter and serious injuries to his 3-year-old son.
The crash occurred on Broadway Street in Lakeland when Wills ran a stop sign and struck a tree, causing his vehicle to catch fire. Investigators found no evidence of pre-impact braking, suggesting Wills failed to stop at the intersection.
Wills’ daughter was pronounced dead at the scene, while his son suffered severe burns to his face.
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Recent toxicology results from the University of Florida Pathology Lab revealed that Wills’ blood alcohol content at the time of the crash was .25 grams per deciliter, more than three times the legal limit of .08.
- Post-crash observations by Deputy Justin Register noted signs of intoxication, including an odor of alcohol and watery eyes.
- Wills admitted to consuming alcohol earlier in the day and stated he was driving his children home when he missed a turn, leading to the crash.
- A court-authorized blood test confirmed Wills’ intoxication level, and medical records from the hospital listed “Alcohol Intoxication” as part of his diagnosis.
“Nothing will bring this beautiful child back to her family, nor heal the injuries to her brother or the emotional devastation that Kody Wills has caused to so many people,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. “We know that it has been a horrific seven weeks for this family while our detectives made sure to cross every T and dot every I throughout every step of this investigation; we are confident that we have done everything in our power to ensure Kody Wills is charged appropriately with every felony that he committed, and hopeful that justice will be served. Please continue to pray for this family.”
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Wills faces the following charges:
- DUI Manslaughter (Second-Degree Felony)
- DUI Causing Serious Bodily Injury (Third-Degree Felony)
- Two Counts of Negligent Child Abuse (Second-Degree Felonies)
He was booked into the Polk County Jail and is scheduled for a first appearance hearing on January 1, 2025.
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