Ocala, Florida — A birthday celebration turned into tragedy after a Florida couple was killed in a crash that investigators say was caused by a teenager fleeing the scene of an alleged robbery.
Authorities have charged 17-year-old Estiben Garcia Luis with two counts of felony murder following the May 8 collision that claimed the lives of Charles Duncan, 77, and his wife, Lynn Duncan.
According to investigators, the fatal crash occurred while the suspect was attempting to escape after an alleged robbery at a nearby sports complex.
Police Say Crash Happened During Alleged Getaway
The Ocala Police Department said the incident began at the Ocala SportsPlex athletic fields, where Garcia Luis and another individual allegedly committed a robbery.
Investigators say the pair fled the area in a Ford Mustang and were traveling at a high rate of speed when the driver allegedly ignored a stop sign at the intersection of Southwest 38th Street and Southwest 67th Avenue Road.
The Mustang then collided with the Ford Explorer occupied by Charles and Lynn Duncan. Emergency responders rushed both victims to a nearby hospital.
Despite medical efforts, the couple later died from their injuries.
Teen Faces Felony Murder Charges
Detectives said Garcia Luis has been charged under Florida’s felony murder law because the fatal crash allegedly occurred while he was committing and fleeing from a felony offense.
Although he is 17 years old, authorities confirmed he is being prosecuted as an adult.
Following his arrest last week, Garcia Luis was booked into the Marion County Jail, where he remains without bond.
Court records show his next scheduled court appearance is July 21.
Police have not released additional information regarding the second individual who was reportedly in the vehicle.
Family Says Couple Was Celebrating Special Occasion
The victims’ daughter, Rebecca Duncan-Taylor, said her parents had been enjoying a special evening together to celebrate her father’s 77th birthday when tragedy struck.
Earlier that day, she had spoken with her father to wish him a happy birthday, never imagining it would be their final conversation.
Reflecting on the devastating loss, Duncan-Taylor described the impact on her family.
“It’s just been life-changing,” she said.
She explained that both of her parents played an important role in the lives of their children and grandchildren.
“My dad was a huge part, and so was my mom, of my kids’ lives, my grandkids’ lives.”
The sudden loss has left the family grieving while trying to come to terms with what happened.
Daughter Calls Crash ‘Completely Senseless’
As investigators continue building the criminal case, Duncan-Taylor said learning the circumstances surrounding the crash has made the tragedy even more difficult to process.
“It was completely senseless,” she said.
“And then to know the background behind all of it, it makes me sad and I’m angry. It’s a lot of emotions.”
The case remains under investigation as prosecutors prepare for upcoming court proceedings.
For the Duncan family, however, the focus remains on remembering Charles and Lynn, whose birthday celebration ended in unimaginable tragedy.
The case also serves as a reminder of how crimes involving high-speed getaways can have devastating consequences for innocent people who happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
What are your thoughts on felony murder laws in cases involving deadly getaway crashes? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.