Florida Highway Patrol troopers said they have located the additional vehicle that they believe played a role in a crash that killed a woman on Aug. 8.
Here’s what we know:
What type of vehicle was found? A 2014 BMW 2 series.
Where was the vehicle discovered? At a residence near Marion Oaks along Southwest 150th Lane Road.
How were FHP officials able to find the vehicle? FHP said that through witness interviews and other investigative techniques they were able to identify the vehicle, obtain a warrant and visit a residence. Though no one was home, troopers still seized the vehicle.
FHP did not release any other information other than to say the investigation is ongoing. So far, no one has been arrested.
Which trooper is investigating the deadly crash? Traffic Homicide Investigator Cpl. Mark Baker.
What happened in the crash? Troopers said a 2021 BMW M4 driven by 28-year-old Cesar Estrada Garcia of Ocala was speeding north on Southwest 49th Avenue Road.
A Toyota RAV4 SUV with three occupants – passenger Myrna Gonzalez, 77; her husband, also a passenger, 78-year-old Loy Gonzalez; and their son, driver Christopher Gonzalez, 48, all of Ocala – was westbound on Southwest 82nd Place Road.
The SUV turned left in front of the BMW, troopers said. The vehicles collided at the intersection.
The family was taken to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, where Myrna Gonzalez died from her injuries, FHP said. Gonzalez’s husband remains hospitalized, and their son suffered minor injuries.
Garcia, who troopers said was on his way to work when the crash happened, was not transported to the hospital and remained at the crash scene. Officials said blood samples were taken from both drivers, and charges against Garcia are pending.
Troopers believe both BMWs were traveling recklessly on the roadway. The driver of the older model BMW left the crash site, officials said.
FHP said 11 people have died from traffic-related crashes in Marion County within the past month. At this time in 2025, troopers had recorded 48 deaths. To date in 2026, they have recorded 48 traffic deaths.
Officials said 73 people were killed in traffic crashes in 2025.
These numbers do not include traffic fatalities within the cities of Ocala, Belleview or Dunnellon.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Vehicle suspected of involvement in fatal crash is seized | Exclusive
Reporting by Austin L. Miller, Ocala Star-Banner / Ocala Star-Banner
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Austin L. Miller, Ocala Star-Banner | USA TODAY Network
