NewsWPLG Local 10 – Local NewsOctober 30, 2026Miami-Dade County
Driver Maiky Simeon accepts plea deal four years after wrong-way crash killed five teens in Miami
Photo: WPLG Local 10 – Local News
Maiky Simeon accepted a plea deal in a Miami courtroom on Friday, four years after a wrong-way crash on the Palmetto Expressway killed five teenagers, including 19-year-old Briana Pacalagua. The agreement avoids a trial and sends Simeon to prison following statements from the victims' grieving families.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – Local NewsWhy It Matters
The resolution concludes a four-year legal process stemming from a fatal collision, sparing the victims' families from a trial and securing a prison sentence for the driver.
Key Facts
- Maiky Simeon accepted a plea deal in a Miami courtroom four years after a fatal wrong-way crash.
- The 2018 crash claimed the lives of five teenagers who were friends riding in the same Honda.
- Briana Pacalagua was 19 years old when she was killed in the collision.
- The crash occurred on the Palmetto Expressway near Northwest 57th Avenue when a vehicle traveled in the wrong direction.
- Investigators reported that Simeon never tried to stop or swerve to avoid the collision.
- Simeon sustained serious injuries in the crash and was subsequently arrested.
- Grieving family members delivered impact statements directly to Simeon during the Friday hearing.
- Simeon apologized in court, acknowledged the families' pain, and asked God for forgiveness.
- The plea deal avoids a trial and results in a prison sentence for Simeon.
Who's Mentioned
locationPalmetto Expressway“Roadway where the crash occurred”PersonMaiky Simeon“Driver who accepted a plea deal for the fatal crash”locationMiami“Location of the courtroom hearing”OrganizationHonda“Make of the vehicle carrying the five teenagers”otherGod“Invoked by the driver asking for forgiveness”PersonBriana Pacalagua“19-year-old victim killed in the wrong-way crash”locationNorthwest 57th Avenue“Location near the crash site”