Youth Pastor Arrested in DUI Crash That Killed 8-Year-Old Daughter

Joel Isaias Leiniz, a 38-year-old youth pastor in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area, has been arrested in connection with a fatal DUI crash that resulted in the death of his 8-year-old daughter, Zoe Alaya Leiniz. The incident occurred on January 17 on South Military Trail near West Palm Beach, as reported by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. Leiniz was charged with DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide following an investigation into the crash, which occurred at a speed of approximately 104 mph. The crash, which involved a single vehicle, resulted in the death of Zoe and injuries to the other three children in the vehicle.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies responded to the scene around 9:55 p.m. after receiving multiple 911 calls. Leiniz was driving a 2017 Audi Q7 with his three children when he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a concrete pole. All four occupants were transported to St. Mary’s Medical Center for treatment. Zoe was pronounced dead at 10:46 p.m. due to the injuries sustained in the crash. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with law enforcement examining the circumstances surrounding the crash and the role of Leiniz’s impairment in the incident.
Leiniz’s defense attorney, Anthony Genova, described him as a “grieving newly-widowed father” who had recently lost his wife to cancer, leaving him as the sole caretaker of his family. Genova highlighted the personal tragedy that preceded the crash, noting that Leiniz had not held outside employment for over a year. During a court hearing, Judge Donald Hafele questioned Leiniz about his employment status and whether he had lost his job as a result of the incident. Leiniz responded that he had resigned from his position to spend more time with his family, indicating that the crash occurred after he had already left his job.
The court set Leiniz’s bond at $150,000, while the prosecutor requested a bond of $200,000. The case has drawn attention due to the tragic loss of a young life and the role of a church leader in the incident. As the legal proceedings continue, the community and church members are grappling with the implications of the case, seeking justice for the victim and accountability for the actions that led to the tragedy. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of impaired driving and the importance of personal responsibility, as emphasized in Proverbs 31:8-9, which calls for advocating for the voiceless and ensuring justice for the oppressed.

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