Karlie Tomica of Miami Beach, Florida was charged with DUI manslaughter on Friday after she was accused of running over Stefano Riccioletti and then fleeing the scene, new sources report. Police later learned Tomica's blood alcohol was three times the legal limit. Riccioletti was pronounced dead at the scene. Tomica, 20, was booked into the Miami-Dade County Jail on charges of DUI manslaughter, DUI property damage, leaving the scene of an accident involving death, and resisting arrest without violence. Her bail was set at $77,000. Tomica and her employer are also facing a wrongful death lawsuit from Riccioletti's family. It is unclear whether she has obtained a defense lawyer.
According to reports, Tomica works for the Nikki Beach Miami club and restaurant in Miami Beach. It is unclear whether the club released a statement regarding the accident or Tomica's arrest. It is also unclear how the incident will affect her position with the company. Riccioletti, the victim, worked as a chef at the Shore Club hotel, reports say. Members of Riccioletti's family have filed a wrongful death suit against Tomica and the Nikki Beach Miami club because of the accident.
Reports say the accident occurred around 6:00 a.m. on January 28. Tomica was reportedly on her way home from work in her 2007 Dodge 4-door. Tomica was on 1801 Collins Avenue in front of the Shelborne Hotel when she ran over Riccioletti, sources say. She then allegedly fled the scene. A nearby witness followed Tomica while simultaneously calling 911 to report the hit-and-run. The pursuing witness followed Tomica to her apartment complex in the 5600 block of Collins Avenue.
Paramedics arrived at the crash site and pronounced Riccioletti dead at the scene. Police traveled to Tomica's apartment following the accident and took her into custody. A blood test later showed that Tomica's blood alcohol was three times higher than the legal limit, elevating the accident to a DUI hit-and-run incident. Tomica appeared in court on Friday and her original bail of $10,000 was elevated to $77,000.
In other news, William Lubo of West Palm Beach was arrested Tuesday after he allegedly punched Doctor Luis Castillo in the face, reports say. Lubo, 59, was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail on charges of aggravated battery. His bail bond was set at $4,000. It is not yet known whether he has retained legal representation.