The individual suspected in a hit-and-run incident in Miami Beach earlier this week, which resulted in the deaths of two spring-breakers, reportedly had suicidal intentions. Authorities said he recalled “closing his eyes, pressing the gas pedal, and wanting to die.”
According to police, around 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Adan Negron-Morris drove a black Nissan Sentra, striking Great Gomon Raowatdanasapiya and Sarisa Konduan before fleeing to a nearby Walgreens.
The collision was described as extremely violent; the victims were thrown several feet from the point of impact. Raowatdanasapiya, aged 23, and Konduan, aged 22, were rushed to a hospital but sadly succumbed to their injuries shortly after.
Negron-Morris, 42, informed investigators that he intended to end his life by crashing the car. He also reported a history of mental health issues, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression. According to the arrest report, he mentioned stopping as soon as possible after the crash, attempting to flee, but ended up entering a pharmacy.
Prior to this incident, he was involved in another hit-and-run and has since been charged with multiple offenses, including vehicular manslaughter. His bail was set at $1 million on Friday.
Police noted that Negron-Morris exhibited signs of impairment but resisted providing a blood sample, prompting hospital staff to collect one against his will. While he had a history of substance use, he reportedly only consumed marijuana and an unknown substance from his girlfriend on the night of the incident.
Witnesses described reckless driving without headlights in the vicinity of 71st Street and Collins Street just before the collision, which attracted several 911 calls.
Negron-Morris allegedly drove past a Miami Beach police officer attending to a report of dangerous driving before crashing into the victims at the intersection of 73rd Street and Collins Street.
Both victims had connections to Indiana University, though it’s unclear if they knew each other. A spokesperson for the university confirmed that Raowatdanasapiya, a banking analyst from Chicago, was an alumnus, while Kongduan is a current student.
Negron-Morris has pleaded not guilty and is currently being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, as indicated by court records.
As of Saturday, the Miami Beach police had yet to respond to inquiries regarding the case.
