Leigha Mumby, 25, is facing a Florida jury over allegations that she deliberately crashed an SUV carrying her boyfriend after an argument about messages from another woman. The February 2025 crash left Daniel Waterman, 22, paralyzed from the neck down, and he died eight months later from injuries linked to the wreck. Prosecutors described the vehicle’s sharp turn from Interstate 95 as intentional and reckless, while the defense said an unexpected event inside the SUV may have caused the crash. A judge has barred jurors from hearing Waterman’s account to investigators about what happened before the vehicle left the highway.

Mumby has pleaded not guilty to vehicular homicide and reckless driving causing serious bodily injury. Opening arguments and testimony began Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center in Bunnell, Florida.

Prosecutors describe a deliberate high-speed turn

Assistant State Attorney Melissa Clark told jurors that Mumby and Waterman left a Super Bowl gathering before the February 9, 2025, crash on northbound Interstate 95 in Flagler County. Prosecutors said the SUV was traveling at more than 100 mph before the wreck, with vehicle data showing a speed of 94 mph during the final seconds.

Clark said the SUV then made an abrupt left turn of about 45 degrees, left the highway and entered the woods. She characterized the maneuver as dangerous and reckless. Waterman suffered a broken neck, became paralyzed from the neck down and spent time in a coma before recovering enough to communicate with investigators.

Defense challenges the explanation for the crash

Defense attorney Reid Hart presented the case as a tragedy centered on one steering-wheel movement. He asked jurors to consider whether Mumby intentionally drove off the road or whether something inside the vehicle caused a sudden change that she did not expect or control.

“The crux of this trial effectively comes down to one steering wheel input, and ultimately one question,” Hart said.

Hart argued that Mumby attempted to avoid the crash after the SUV began moving toward the woods but could not stop it. The defense position directly conflicts with the prosecution’s claim that the turn was a deliberate response to the couple’s dispute.

Witness testimony focuses on the couple’s argument

Sarah Stappenbeck, Waterman’s cousin and Mumby’s best friend, testified that the couple attended a gathering at her home. Stappenbeck said Mumby announced earlier that day that she was pregnant, while also expressing concern that Waterman was communicating with other women.

Stappenbeck said Mumby called roughly 20 minutes after leaving, yelling that Waterman was texting another woman and saying she planned to bring him back to the house. Stappenbeck testified that she urged the couple to return safely and address the disagreement the next day. She said Mumby responded that she was taking Waterman’s side and ended the call. A later call reportedly repeated that the couple was coming back, but instead a roommate informed Stappenbeck that a crash had occurred.

Waterman’s hospital statements remain excluded

Before his death, Waterman told detectives from his hospital bed that Mumby had intentionally swerved after an argument over a message from another woman. He reportedly recalled Mumby saying that he would get what he deserved before the SUV left the road.

Judge Dawn Nichols ruled that those statements could not be introduced at trial under the applicable rules of evidence. As a result, jurors will not hear Waterman’s direct account of the crash, although prosecutors have described the evidence they believe supports their case.

Waterman’s family reacted emotionally during the opening day of the trial. His mother, Heather Waterman, wiped away tears when a photograph of her son was shown in court. His aunt, Tiffany Waterman, has described him as protective, loving and sweet.

Charges were upgraded after Waterman’s death

Mumby was initially arrested in July 2025 on allegations including reckless driving causing serious bodily injury and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. After Waterman died on October 8, 2025, prosecutors upgraded the case to include vehicular homicide. She was released from the Flagler County Jail after posting a $150,000 bond.

The family has supported the charges, while acknowledging the loss and circumstances have no real winners. Waterman’s obituary said he was looking forward to becoming the father of a baby girl. Mumby gave birth three days after Waterman’s death, according to reports cited in the case.

Summary

The trial will determine whether Mumby intentionally caused the crash or whether an unforeseen event inside the SUV led to the fatal wreck. Prosecutors are relying on vehicle data, witness testimony and the circumstances surrounding the argument, while the defense is challenging the interpretation of the steering movement. The case remains pending, and no verdict has been reported.

Frequently Asked Questions

What charges does Leigha Mumby face?

Mumby faces vehicular homicide and reckless driving causing serious bodily injury. She has pleaded not guilty.

When and where did the crash happen?

The crash happened on February 9, 2025, on Interstate 95 in Flagler County, Florida.

Why will jurors not hear Waterman’s account?

Judge Dawn Nichols ruled that statements Waterman made to detectives from his hospital bed were inadmissible under the rules of evidence.

What is the defense arguing?

The defense argues that an unexpected event inside the SUV may have caused the sudden turn and that Mumby did not intentionally drive into the woods.

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