A woman from Florida, Leigha Mumby, stands accused of intentionally crashing her SUV with her boyfriend on board. Prosecutors claim she was extremely upset over text messages from another girl and made a sharp turn into the woods at nearly 100 mph during the incident, which took place on February 9, 2025. However, Mumby’s attorney presented a contrasting perspective at her trial, indicating that something unexpected occurred inside the vehicle that Mumby couldn’t control or foresee.
The 25-year-old Mumby has pleaded not guilty to charges of vehicular homicide and reckless driving causing serious injury in connection with the death of Daniel Waterman, who was 22 at the time of the crash. Waterman initially survived the accident but passed away eight months later.
During the trial, which was streamed live via Court TV, Assistant State Attorney Melissa Clark informed the jury that Mumby and Waterman had just left a Super Bowl party when the crash happened on Interstate 95 in Flagler County. According to vehicle data, the SUV hit speeds over 100 mph prior to the accident, ultimately veering off the highway after making a rapid left turn.
Clark described the maneuver as “dangerous and reckless.” Waterman sustained severe injuries, including a broken neck that left him paralyzed. Following a coma, he could not breathe independently after regaining consciousness. Clark asserted that Waterman’s death on October 8, 2025, was directly linked to this crash. The jury, however, would not hear Waterman’s own testimony about the incident due to a judge’s ruling that deemed his accounts inadmissible.
Before his death, Waterman had told detectives from his hospital bed that Mumby swerved off the road after an argument about another woman’s text messages. Yet, the judge’s decision prevented this testimony from being presented in court. Defense attorney Reid Hart characterized the case as a heartbreaking tragedy, encouraging the jury to reflect on whether Mumby’s actions were influenced by factors beyond her control.
Hart pointed out that the trial hinged on a single aspect: whether Mumby intentionally drove off the road or if something unexpected occurred inside the SUV. He maintained that once the vehicle was headed towards the woods, Mumby could not avert the crash despite her efforts.
During the proceedings, a friend of Mumby’s, Sarah Stappenbeck, also testified. She recounted that earlier in the day, Mumby had expressed concerns about Waterman’s interactions with other women, which added tension to their relationship. After leaving the Super Bowl party, Mumby called Stappenbeck, very agitated, to say Waterman was texting another girl and that she intended to return him to the house. Stappenbeck encouraged her to calm down and suggested discussing their issues later.
Ultimately, Mumby never returned home, and instead, Stappenbeck received a call from Mumby’s roommate, notifying her about the crash. The trial continues without Waterman’s statements about the events leading up to the accident.
Before his death, Waterman had reportedly told investigators that Mumby had purposefully caused the wreck following the argument. He recalled her saying, “I don’t care what happens, you’ll get what you deserve,” moments before the crash. The judge reiterated that legalities prevented this information from being shared during the trial, emphasizing the court’s adherence to evidence rules. As the trial progressed, Waterman’s family felt deep emotional pain, particularly when a photo of him was presented in court.
Mumby had initially faced charges of reckless driving and aggravated battery but had those upgraded to vehicular homicide following Waterman’s death. While she was placed in the Flagler County Jail, she secured her release by posting a $150,000 bond. Waterman’s mother previously revealed that he had spent time in a coma but eventually managed to recount what had occurred to investigators.
In a statement, Waterman’s aunt voiced her sorrow regarding the exclusion of her nephew’s words from the trial, cherishing his caring nature and protective character as he passed away. The family has expressed support for the charges filed after Waterman’s death, acknowledging the tragic circumstances surrounding the incident.
Interestingly, the public is reminded of another similar case involving a young woman, Mackenzie Shirilla, convicted of intentionally driving into a building with her boyfriend inside. Shirilla is currently serving a lengthy sentence for that crash, highlighting ongoing discussions around reckless behavior in relationship contexts.
In a bittersweet twist, just three days after Waterman died, Mumby gave birth to a daughter. The couple had eagerly anticipated becoming parents, and this loss looms heavily over their families.
