PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — The State Attorney's Office has announced charges for the driver who hit and killed three Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office deputies on Southern Boulevard in November 2024.
WATCH: Driver charged in 2024 Southern Blvd. crash
Palm Beach County State Attorney Alexcia Cox says driver Corrinne Blue, 32, was arrested and is being charged with three counts of vehicular homicide in the deaths of Corporal Luis Paez Jr., Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz and Deputy Ralph “Butch” Waller.
A Florida Highway Patrol investigation showed Blue was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee in an unsafe manner on the morning of Nov. 21, 2024, and going above the posted 55 mph speed limit when she attempted to go around a slower vehicle and veered right, striking the three deputies on the side of the road in the 18000 block of Southern Blvd.
Paez and Waller were killed, and Diaz died days later.
Records show Blue has a prior speeding conviction in Pennsylvania and was also speeding at the time of the 2024 crash, according to the State Attorney. We also learned Blue's nursing license is still active. WPTV's Zitlali Solache visited her listed address, but got no response.
"These charges follow a thorough review of the evidence and mark an important step in the pursuit of justice for the families of Corporal Paez, Deputy Diaz, and Deputy Waller," Cox said in a statement. "These deputies were serving this community when their lives were tragically taken by a reckless driver."
The Traffic Homicide Unit of the State Attorney’s Office will prosecute the case.
FRIENDS AND FAMILY SPEAK WITH WPTV FOLLOWING BLUE'S ARREST
For a close friend of Corporal Paez, the arrest reopened wounds that never fully healed. Tina Schosnig, who knew Paez for more than 20 years, said the news hit hard.
"It was like kind of ripping off a scab off an old wound. It's devastating. It's like starting the process of healing over again," Schosnig said. "It's a lot. He was a big part of my family's life. He was a big part of my life. He was one of my best friend for over 20 years so it's a lot."
Schosnig said the arrest was a long time coming and hopes the legal process moves quickly.
"I can speak for myself — constantly wondering if there was going to be any justice," Schosnig said. "I hope that the next process isn't going to take as long and we're going to get to have some closure," Schosnig said.
VIDEO OF CRASH FROM NOVEMBER 2024:
Loved ones plan to follow Blue's case closely.
"She made bad decisions and she has to pay for them. She took very special people who gave to the community every single day for many many years. She took those people out of our lives," Schosnig said. " I think that she should pay for making very poor decisions."
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw provided the following statement on the arrest:
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office continues to grieve the profound loss of our three motor deputies who were tragically killed on November 21, 2024 and November 25, 2024, in a devastating crash caused by a Corrinne Blue. Their service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to protecting our community will never be forgotten.
Today’s announcement by the State Attorney’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol that the driver has been charged with three counts of vehicular homicide marks an important step in the judicial process. While no legal outcome can ever replace the lives lost or ease the pain felt by their families, loved ones, and our agency, we remain committed to seeing this case through the justice system.
This tragedy serves as a solemn reminder of the very real and deadly consequences of distracted driving. We urge every driver to remain focused behind the wheel because one moment of inattention can change lives forever.
We continue to stand with the families of our fallen deputies and honor their legacy through our service each and every day.
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