Drunk driver accused of killing four young people waives court appearance

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Loved ones of the four young people killed in a 2018 crash in Gilchrist County say the accused driver is a coward for not showing his face in court Saturday.

21-year-old Blake Delapaz was being held on a nearly $1 million-dollar bond in Duval County jail.

But Family members of the victims who died are still hoping for justice despite waiting for a year and a half.

By Florida law, Delapaz had the right to waive his appearance in Gilchrist County court today.

This was news the family members of the four crash victims did not expect to hear today.

Related: FHP: Driver who survived 2018 Gilchrist County crash that killed four young people arrested

The mother of Alysia Littlejohn says she can still close her eyes and relive vivid memories of her daughter.

“Today was a little disappointing. Right now, we’re just trying to stick together while we go on this journey for justice for our babies,” said Elinor Littlejohn.

Troopers say an investigation showed 21-year-old Blake Delapaz was driving drunk when he ran through a stop sign and hit another car in Gilchrist County with the four victims inside.

Their deaths brought together people from all over the city of Jacksonville.

“We’re walking zombies of heartache, basically,” Littlejohn said. "I think we’re going through sadness and anger all over again.”

Saturday, a judge told the court Delapaz waived his first court appearance and is now facing eleven charges, including DUI manslaughter.

Isabella Garcia’s mother said the charges were expected.

“I think he is deserving of every charge that has been handed to him,” Trisha Garcia explained.

Delapaz was the only survivor in the vehicle he was driving. He will appear in court Dec. 26th.

Littlejohn says she plans to be there when it happens.

“We have been really patient for 18 months, waiting for this part of the process to take place. Here we are, its go time. We’re ready,” said Littlejohn.

Troopers said Delapaz’s blood alcohol level was .083, just over the legal limit in Florida.

They also said the four victims were not wearing a seat belt.

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