Orlando, FL – A 73-year-old Florida woman is facing serious charges after police say she drove her SUV into a lake on New Year’s Eve, resulting in the death of her 69-year-old best friend. Newly released surveillance and body camera footage offers a clearer look at the moments before and after the incident, including the woman repeatedly asking officers, “Did my friend die?”
Incident Overview: SUV Accelerates Into Lake
Police say Julia Vega, 73, was behind the wheel of an SUV shortly before 11 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2024, when the vehicle “suddenly accelerated” across an apartment parking lot. According to details included in the arrest affidavit obtained through investigative reporting, the SUV crashed through a yellow retainer pole, smashed through a chain-link fence, and continued directly into a nearby lake.
Inside the car was her longtime friend, Elsa Pintor, 69, who was in the passenger seat and unable to escape.
Emergency Response and Rescue Efforts
The affidavit describes Vega escaping through the driver’s side window as the SUV was sinking. Officers who arrived after hearing her screams threw her a rope and pulled her from the freezing water. Pintor remained trapped.
Once the vehicle was fully submerged, first responders were able to pull Pintor from the water. She still had a faint pulse, but despite being rushed to the hospital, she later died from her injuries.
Body Camera Footage Shows Emotional Exchange
Newly released body camera footage captured Vega standing drenched in the parking lot, asking officers repeatedly whether her friend had died. In the video, she says:
“Did my friend die?”
The officer tells her they cannot confirm her friend’s condition at that moment.
Police noted Vega was stumbling, slurring her words, and had bloodshot, watery eyes while they attempted to gather information from her. They stated she became agitated as officers prepared to conduct a field sobriety test.
Vega Denies Intoxication, Claims “We Only Had Wine”
According to the affidavit, Vega insisted she was not impaired, telling officers:
“I’m not drunk, we only had wine at Cooper’s Hawk.”
Body camera footage showed her questioning why officers were holding her at the scene and expressing frustration about the public nature of the investigation.
Police reported she failed field sobriety tests and was taken for a mandatory blood draw.
Toxicology Results and Alleged Impairment
Toxicology results revealed Vega had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.148, nearly double the legal limit of 0.08. She also had alprazolam (Xanax) in her system, a combination that authorities say significantly increases impairment.
Two key findings from the toxicology report included:
- Blood alcohol level: 0.148
- Presence of alprazolam (Xanax)
Investigators said the combination likely impaired her reaction time and judgment, contributing to the deadly crash.
Family Connection and Public Statement
In reporting from the case, it was noted that Vega and Pintor’s children are married to each other, making the two women not just best friends, but also family.
Vega’s attorney, Hilton Napoleon, released a statement, saying the tragedy has devastated both sides:
“Ms. Vega and the victim were best friends who also shared grandchildren together. This incident caused a devastating loss to the family. The family asks for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult moment, and asked that you respect their privacy.”
Charges, Bond Conditions, and Next Court Date
Vega has been charged with vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter.
Court documents show:
- Bond set at $50,000
- If released, she must remain on house arrest, wear an electronic monitor, and is prohibited from driving
- Her next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 29, listed as a trial hearing
Jail records indicate she is not currently being held at a county facility.
What Comes Next in the Case
As the December court date approaches, prosecutors will continue reviewing video evidence, toxicology reports, and the detailed timeline from the night of the crash. The newly released footage is expected to play a major role in the courtroom, illustrating Vega’s condition immediately after the accident and her emotional reaction when confronted with the possibility that her friend had not survived.
The case has drawn widespread attention across Florida due to the combination of tragic loss, DUI allegations, and the deep family ties between the women involved.
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