This past Friday, a Miami-Dade judge handed down a six-and-a-half-year state prison sentence to 21-year-old Dayron Ramírez-Mesa. He was found guilty of DUI manslaughter in the death of 40-year-old Dayana Abreu Pérez, a Cuban woman, on December 14, 2025, in Kendale Lakes, within the Kendall area.
According to WSVN, the most poignant moment during the hearing wasn't the announcement of the sentence, but rather what transpired just before. Dayana's mother, holding a photograph of her daughter and speaking through an interpreter, addressed the defendant directly in Spanish.
"I hope what happened serves as a lesson. I forgive you," she said.
Mari Elyse Díaz, Dayana's cousin, also extended forgiveness, yet emphasized the responsibility of the young man: "You destroyed our family, but I harbor no hatred toward you in my heart; I forgive you. However, forgiveness doesn't erase what you did. You made a series of choices that led to Dayana's death."
Responding in Spanish, also with the interpreter's help, Ramírez-Mesa addressed the family: "I never wanted that accident to cost Dayana her life."
His defense attorney sought to highlight the pain experienced by both families: "My client is deeply affected by this, as is his family. These are two good families devastated by this tragedy."
In addition to the prison sentence, the judge imposed eight and a half years of probation, revoked Ramírez-Mesa's driver's license, and ordered him to pay $200 annually to a victim compensation fund every year on the anniversary of Abreu Pérez's death.
The accident took place shortly after 8:15 a.m. on December 14, 2025, at the intersection of SW 56th Street and SW 122nd Avenue. Investigations revealed Ramírez-Mesa was driving his Tesla Cybertruck at speeds of 97 to 100 mph in a 40-mph zone, ran a red light, and collided with two vehicles making a left turn.
Dayana, driving a Hyundai Sonata, was trapped in her car and pronounced dead at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital. Blood tests showed Ramírez-Mesa had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.180, more than twice Florida's legal limit of 0.08.
Dayana Abreu Pérez is survived by two children, aged seven and 15. Having recently overcome a lengthy battle with cancer, her death mere days before Christmas added to the devastation felt by those who knew her. Following the incident, Miami-Dade neighbors set up an impromptu memorial at the crash site, and the family launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the two children.
Initially pleading not guilty, Ramírez-Mesa changed his plea prior to the sentencing hearing. In Florida, DUI manslaughter is a second-degree felony with a mandatory minimum sentence of four years and a maximum of 15. The six-and-a-half-year sentence exceeds the minimum but falls short of the maximum allowable by law.
Since May, when the prosecution released videos of the accident showing the Cybertruck overtaking several cars just before the crash, the case has left a significant impact on the Cuban community in South Florida.
"No sentence can undo what you did. Someday you'll return home, but Dayana never will, and that's a reality you created," said her cousin Mari Elyse Díaz, articulating the sentiments of a family choosing forgiveness while standing firm in the truth.
Understanding the Impact of the DUI Manslaughter Case in Kendall
What was the sentence given to Dayron Ramírez-Mesa?
Dayron Ramírez-Mesa was sentenced to six and a half years in state prison for DUI manslaughter, along with eight and a half years of probation and other penalties.
How did Dayana Abreu Pérez's family respond during the sentencing hearing?
Dayana's mother and cousin expressed forgiveness to Ramírez-Mesa, emphasizing that forgiveness does not erase the consequences of his actions.
What were the circumstances of the accident?
The accident occurred when Ramírez-Mesa, driving a Tesla Cybertruck, was speeding and ran a red light, resulting in a collision that killed Dayana Abreu Pérez.