Casselberry man arrested for fatal New Year's Eve crash in Deltona.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

In a significant development, Volusia County Sheriff's detectives have apprehended and charged Jeremy Deon Franklin, 36, of Casselberry in connection with a fatal accident that occurred in Deltona on New Year's Eve last year. Franklin was taken into custody at his parent's residence in Deltona today, Thursday, July 6, 2023, and faces charges of vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter. 

According to a release, the investigation into the tragic incident began on December 31, 2022, just before midnight after the collision, when Franklin was speeding near the 400 block of Howland Boulevard, heading northward. Franklin's vehicle proceeded into the intersection of Howland and Fort Smith Boulevard. At the same time, Brandon Morales was driving southbound on Howland Boulevard and began executing a left turn toward Fort Smith.

Unfortunately, Franklin's vehicle collided with Morales' vehicle within the intersection. The impact propelled Franklin's car into a concrete curb, causing it to continue northwards until it struck a concrete pole before stopping. Morales traveled approximately 325 feet north of the point of impact in the opposite direction he was traveling in before coming to a halt.

Eyewitnesses aided both victims until law enforcement and emergency personnel arrived. Tragically, Morales succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the crash site. Franklin sustained critical injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital as a trauma alert.

Following the incident, the Volusia County Sheriff's Office Traffic Homicide detectives, in collaboration with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the U.S. Secret Service, and the State Attorney's Office, tirelessly pursued their investigation to locate Franklin.

Franklin is in custody at the Volusia County Branch Jail on $100,000 bail.