Miami, FL — Newly released surveillance and police body camera footage is shedding light on the tragic New Year’s Eve crash where 73-year-old Julia Vega allegedly drove her SUV into a lake, leading to the death of her longtime best friend, 69-year-old Elsa Pintor. Authorities say alcohol played a major role in the devastating incident.
SUV Accelerates Through Parking Lot Before Crashing Into Lake
According to an arrest affidavit, the deadly crash occurred around 11 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2024, inside a residential apartment complex. Investigators say Vega was behind the wheel of an SUV with Pintor in the passenger seat when she suddenly accelerated, struck a yellow retainer pole, hit a chain-link fence, and plunged straight into a lake.
Vega managed to climb out through the driver’s side window as the vehicle sank. Officers arrived moments later after hearing her cries for help and tossed her a rope to pull her to shore. Pintor, however, remained trapped inside the rapidly submerging vehicle.
Body Camera Footage Shows Vega Desperate for Answers
Local station WTVJ obtained video from that night. The released body cam footage shows a visibly shaken Vega speaking with officers, repeatedly asking, “Did my friend die?” Police at the time were unable to give her an answer as rescuers were still attempting to reach Pintor.
When officers finally pulled Pintor from the submerged SUV, she still had a “faint pulse”, but despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, she died from her injuries.
Police Describe Vega as Intoxicated and Unsteady
Body cam video also shows Vega slurring her words and struggling to stay balanced. Officers noted she had bloodshot, watery eyes, was stumbling on flat ground, and smelled strongly of alcohol.
Vega insisted, “I’m not drunk, we only had wine at Cooper’s Hawk,” referring to the restaurant where she and Pintor had reportedly been earlier that night.
However, when officers conducted field sobriety tests, Vega failed, and police informed her she would need to provide a blood sample. Toxicology results later revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.148, nearly double the legal limit of 0.08. Tests also confirmed the presence of alprazolam (Xanax) in her system.
A Family Tragedy That Runs Deep
In a heartbreaking twist, Vega’s and Pintor’s families were closely tied—their children are married to each other, meaning the women shared grandchildren. Vega’s attorney, Hilton Napoleon, released a statement calling the incident a profound family tragedy.
“Ms. Vega and the victim were best friends who also shared grandchildren together. This incident caused a devastating loss to the family. The family asks for thoughts and prayers and requests privacy during this difficult time,” he said.
Charges and Court Proceedings
Vega has been charged with vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter, both serious felonies. According to court documents as obtained by Law&Crime, her bond was set at $50,000, and she faces strict conditions if released, including:
- No driving
- Wearing an electronic monitor
- Remaining under house arrest
Jail records indicate Vega is not currently housed in a county jail facility. Her next court appearance is scheduled for a trial hearing on Dec. 29.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
The tragedy has struck the local community deeply — a holiday celebration turned into a night of unimaginable loss. Authorities continue to investigate the moments leading up to the crash, while family members grapple with grief and unanswered questions.
How do you think tragedies like this should shape laws around DUI and elderly driving? Share your thoughts in the comments — your voice matters.
