February 18, 2025
PRESS RELEASE
(Walton County, Florida) Ginger Bowden Madden, State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit of Florida, announced today that Walton County Circuit Judge J. Ryan Love sentenced Justin Diaz to 16 years in State Prison followed by 1 year State Probation upon his release from prison for his plea to 2 counts of DUI Manslaughter and 2 counts of Driving on Suspended Driver’s License with Careless or Negligent Operation resulting in Death.
On March 19, 2021, Diaz was driving a vehicle with 2 passengers in his vehicle on Highway 90. Diaz crossed over the center line into oncoming traffic causing a box truck to swerve and resulting in a head on collision with a semi-truck behind the box truck. Both of Diaz’s passengers were killed in the traffic crash.
Diaz tested positive for Methamphetamine, Amphetamines and Marijuana.
The investigation and arrest were conducted by the Florida Highway Patrol with assistance from the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant State Attorney Angela Liles prosecuted the case. For further information, please contact Ms. Liles at (850) 892-8080.
