A tragic accident in Boynton Beach, Florida, claimed the lives of a pregnant woman and her mother after a suspect fleeing from police crashed into their vehicle. According to a report by The People on Saturday, August 3, 2024, the incident occurred on Tuesday, July 30, around 8:10 p.m.
Neoni Copeland, 23, was driving a Kia Stinger at high speed when he collided with a blue Toyota Corolla making a turn. Reports from CBS 12 News, WPTV, and WFLX indicate that Copeland’s car struck the Toyota, resulting in a devastating impact.
Following the crash, Copeland allegedly attempted to flee the scene on foot but was arrested by responding officers. The collision’s impact was fatal for the occupants of the Toyota Corolla. Jenice Woods, 27, and her mother, Marcia Pochette, 57, were transported to a nearby hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
Junel Pochette, Woods’ father and Marcia’s husband, shared the profound loss with CBS12 News, revealing that his daughter was two months pregnant at the time of the accident. “Two and a half lives were taken away from me: my daughter, my wife, my future grandchild,” he said. “We were looking forward to a new grandbaby.”
The tragedy has deeply affected the local community. Lorna Reynolds, a neighbor of the Woods and Pochette families, expressed the collective sorrow, stating to WPTV that the deaths “were a sad moment for all of us.” Reynolds further reflected on the loss, noting, “At this stage, [Woods] was preparing to be a mother, and her mother was going to be a grandmother, so this was very, very heartbreaking for all of us.”
The events leading up to the crash began when Copeland fled from West Palm Beach police officers shortly before the collision. The West Palm Beach Police Department confirmed that they had initiated an internal affairs investigation into the incident on Wednesday, July 31. The investigation will determine whether the pursuit of Copeland violated department policies, with seven officers placed on administrative leave as a result.
West Palm Beach Police Chief Frank Adderley addressed the situation, emphasizing the importance of the investigation. “While there are many questions and few answers at this time, we need to let the facts lead us to the outcome of the investigation,” Adderley said. “We are cooperating with the Boynton Beach Police Department and are committed to full transparency.”
Neoni Copeland is facing several charges, including resisting arrest and leaving the scene of a crash causing fatality. According to WFLX and WPTV, additional charges may be added as the investigation progresses. Copeland is currently being held without bail at the Palm Beach County jail. It is unclear whether he has retained legal representation to comment on his behalf.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of two lives and the potential of a new life that was tragically cut short.