Social media model charged with DUI manslaughter in Miami crash staying in jail

A self-proclaimed social media model charged in a fatal Miami crash, allegedly under the influence of drugs, appeared in court on Monday seeking her release from jail. Maecee Lathers faces manslaughter charges for the August 10th crash that claimed the lives of two men. During the hearing, Judge Teresa Mary Pooler denied Lathers’ request for bond, ordering her to remain in jail until her trial in November.

Prosecutors presented body camera footage and surveillance video from the crash’s aftermath, in which Lathers admitted to using a party drug called “tusi.” A toxicology report confirmed her admission and revealed multiple drugs in her system. Lathers’ attorney argued for house arrest, claiming no new evidence was introduced, but Judge Pooler ruled against it, labeling Lathers a threat to the community.

“As much as I respect house arrest, if someone wants to go, they can go. It’s a simple matter of cutting off that bracelet and leaving,” Pooler stated.

Family members of the victims, Abraham Molina and Jesus Rubio, expressed their relief at the judge’s decision to keep Lathers in custody. Juana Hernandez, a survivor of the crash, shared that while hearing the video in court was painful, it was necessary for justice. “The judge did the right thing,” she said.