From Cocoa beach police.
Man arrested for DUI crash that killed woman and her dogs New Year’s Eve
On the 12th of January 2024 at 3:07 PM, Mark Christian Vannicola Jr 36, of Merritt Island, was taken into custody for his actions in the fatal traffic crash that occurred on West Cocoa Beach Causeway (SR520) on News Year Eve. He has been charged with DUI Manslaughter (1 count), Vehicular Homicide (1 count), DUI 4 Offense (1 count) and DUI with Serious Body Injury (2 counts). He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Cocoa Beach Police Department.
Officers with the Cocoa Beach Police Department worked on this investigation diligently to bring this case to a successful conclusion. It was determined that Mark Vannicola Jr. was operating his vehicle at a reckless speed while under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. One of the occupants involved in this incident still remains at a local hospital in critical condition.
This is an active investigation and anyone that may have any additional information are asked to contact the Cocoa Beach Police Department at 321-868-3251.
