Grandma Killed in Fiery Crash After Man Speeds Wrong Way While Fleeing Police

In a horrifying case that’s shaking Florida, a Miami man is facing a first-degree murder charge after allegedly crashing head-on into a 71-year-old woman while fleeing police the wrong way down Interstate 95.

The suspect, 40-year-old Stevens Charles, was indicted by a Florida grand jury for the September 16 crash that killed Julia Wagner, a beloved hospital volunteer from Volusia County. According to authorities, Charles was behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Suburban and trying to outrun deputies after they attempted to pull him over in connection with a string of burglaries in Flagler County.

But instead of stopping, Charles allegedly floored it — barreling down I-95 at dangerous speeds, weaving through traffic, and showing what officials described as “no regard for human life.”

At one point, he exited the highway, only to re-enter by driving the wrong way up a northbound exit ramp — directly into Wagner’s path.

She was heading home from her volunteer shift at a local hospital when her Volkswagen Beetle was struck head-on by the speeding SUV. The impact was devastating. Wagner was rushed to the hospital but didn’t survive. Charles and two passengers ran from the scene, police say, but were eventually caught.

“This could have been avoided. He could have stopped,” said State Attorney R.J. Larizza. “Instead, he turned a traffic stop into a death sentence for an innocent woman.”

Larizza called the crash scene “horrific,” describing the mangled wreckage of Wagner’s small car. “She didn’t stand a chance,” he said.

Now, Charles is looking at a potential life sentence. In addition to the murder charge, he faces counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding with serious injury or death, leaving the scene of a crash involving death, and resisting arrest. He’s currently being held without bond at the Volusia County Jail. His next court appearance is set for October 14.

Wagner, remembered for her booming laugh, generous spirit, and deep Catholic faith, had been married for more than 30 years and worked in HR for four decades before dedicating her retirement to helping others.