JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A jury in Duval County awarded $10.3 million in damages to the parents of a 21-year-old woman who was killed in a vehicular crash involving a drunk driver. The incident occurred on January 14, 2023, when Nell Marie Behr lost her life in a collision that has since drawn significant attention due to its tragic implications.
Nell had recently graduated from Florida State College at Jacksonville, just days before the fatal crash. She was struck by Ramon Cerda, who was reportedly driving under the influence after leaving a bar in Jacksonville. The Florida Highway Patrol responded to the two-car accident on Interstate 295 near Monument Road.
Investigators revealed that Cerda was driving on the wrong side of the highway at the time of the impact. Following the crash, he was transported to a hospital, where medical staff noted his condition — including bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and the smell of alcohol. Cerda admitted to having consumed alcohol prior to the incident, and subsequent tests showed a blood alcohol concentration of .128, significantly over the legal limit.
Nearly a year later, in January 2024, he pleaded guilty to charges of DUI manslaughter and reckless driving. He received a 12-year prison sentence for his actions, which led to the tragic loss of Behr’s life.
This week, in a separate civil trial, the jury awarded $5 million each to Behr’s parents, along with an additional $300,000 to cover medical and funeral expenses, resulting in total compensatory damages of $10.3 million. The case has underscored the devastating consequences of drunk driving, eliciting strong reactions from the community.
A subsequent jury will evaluate the potential for punitive damages against Cerda, a process expected to begin next week. This aspect of the trial may further address the severity of his actions leading to Behr’s untimely death.
The award highlights the emotional and financial toll such tragedies inflict on families and serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with impaired driving.
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