A Florida man who caused a devastating crash that killed two women in 2022 has been sentenced to 40 years in prison after taking a plea deal.
Jacob Manuel, 25, avoided a possible life sentence by agreeing to the deal, which was finalized on Tuesday. The Florida State Attorney’s Office confirmed the sentence, saying that the victims’ family supported the plea and was present in court.
The tragic crash happened on May 10, 2022, in Panama City, Florida. That evening, 78-year-old Tallulah Ellis was driving with her daughter, 57-year-old Tammy Hughes, and Hughes’ 9-year-old granddaughter when Manuel’s Dodge Challenger slammed into their car from behind. The force of the impact sent their vehicle into a power pole. Sadly, both Ellis and Hughes were pronounced dead at the scene. The 9-year-old suffered critical injuries but survived. Meanwhile, Manuel’s car caught fire, and a witness to the crash pulled him out.
Investigators later discovered that Manuel had been at a bar earlier that night, captured on surveillance footage carrying an alcoholic drink. Hours after the crash, his blood alcohol level was measured at 0.099 and 0.098—above Florida’s legal limit of 0.08. Data from his car also revealed that he was speeding between 100 and 130 MPH in a 45 MPH zone when the crash happened.
Manuel was charged with two counts of DUI manslaughter and one count of DUI with serious bodily injury. His case was heading to trial, but on the morning jury selection was set to begin, he agreed to the plea deal.
During the courtroom proceedings, a heartbreaking letter from the victims’ family was read aloud. It described the deep pain and loss they had experienced since that night. One part of the letter spoke about walking into the grandparents’ house and finding the grandfather alone, listening to police radio, praying for his wife of 59 years and only daughter—both of whom would never return home. It also mentioned the suffering of young family members who had lost their loved ones in such a tragic way.
As part of the plea deal, Manuel must serve at least 85% of his 40-year sentence before he can be considered for parole. He was also given credit for the 655 days he had already spent in jail.
