A devastating crash on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale has left a family shattered after a suspected drunk driver slammed into their van, killing an unborn baby and causing serious injuries to multiple passengers, including the pregnant mother. The driver, identified as 25-year-old Beverly Yvonne Slaughter, is now facing a long list of felony charges, including vehicular homicide for the death of both a person and a viable fetus.
Crash Details
The crash occurred when Slaughter, allegedly under the influence, was driving the wrong way and collided head-on with a family’s vehicle. Inside the van were multiple occupants, including a pregnant woman who was eight months along. The violent impact not only caused injuries to all occupants of the van but also tragically led to the loss of the unborn child.
Authorities report that Slaughter fled the scene of the crash, failing to render aid or stop, prompting additional charges related to leaving the scene of a crash involving death and serious injury. The injured mother was transported to a local hospital, where doctors confirmed the loss of her baby. The full extent of her injuries has not yet been released.
Charges Filed
Slaughter is now facing multiple felony charges, including:
Vehicular homicide involving a person and a viable fetus
Leaving the scene of a crash involving death
Leaving the scene involving serious and non-serious injury
Driving with a suspended/revoked license causing death or serious injury
Reckless driving causing injury and property damage
According to arrest records, her bond on several of the most serious charges has been set at $0, indicating the severity of the allegations. She remains in custody at the Main Jail in Fort Lauderdale.
Legal Implications
Legal analysts suggest Slaughter could face third-degree homicide or first-degree vehicular manslaughter charges, depending on how prosecutors proceed. Penalties for these offenses in Florida range from 5 to 15 years in prison, with potential sentencing enhancements due to the number of injuries and her prior driving record.
Prior History & Arrest Record
At the time of her arrest, Slaughter’s license was reportedly suspended, adding further gravity to the charges. She also faces multiple reckless driving charges and has an outstanding record of license violations tied to DUI-related offenses.
Community Outrage
The crash has sparked outrage in the Fort Lauderdale community, with many residents expressing anger over the loss of the unborn baby and the recklessness of driving under the influence. Advocates are calling for stricter DUI enforcement and harsher penalties for repeat offenders.
This incident is still under investigation, and the Fort Lauderdale Police Department is asking anyone with additional information or dashcam footage from the area to come forward. Prosecutors are expected to formally file charges in the coming days as the family continues to recover from the horrific tragedy.
