A shocking case in Florida has left the community reeling as seven West Palm Beach police officers are now facing criminal charges following their roles in a high-speed chase that led to the tragic deaths of 57-year-old Marcia Pochette and her 27-year-old daughter, Jenice Woods, who was two months pregnant.
The fatal incident, which occurred on July 30, 2024, is drawing widespread attention and raising concerns about law enforcement conduct and public safety.
The Tragic Incident
The deadly pursuit began on the evening of July 30, when 23-year-old Neoni Copeland failed to stop for a traffic violation in West Palm Beach. The chase escalated as Copeland drove at reckless speeds, leaving city limits and continuing onto I-95.
Surveillance footage and police reports indicate that Copeland reached speeds of 108 mph just seconds before the crash.
The pursuit ended in Boynton Beach, miles away from the initial traffic stop, when Copeland collided with a Toyota Corolla driven by Jenice Woods, who was attempting to turn left into her neighborhood.
Both Woods and her mother, Marcia Pochette, were critically injured and later died at Delray Medical Center. Jenice Woods was also pregnant, making the deaths even more tragic.
The Officers’ Charges and Allegations
In connection with the deadly chase, seven officers were charged for their involvement in the pursuit. Three of the officers—Austin Danielovich, Pierre Etienne, and Christopher Rekdahl—face charges of two counts of leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death and one count of official misconduct.
Four other officers—Michael Borgen, William Loayza, Brandan Stedfelt, and Darien Thomas—are each charged with official misconduct.
State Attorney Alexcia Cox expressed outrage at the officers’ actions, stating that their conduct was “a disturbing betrayal of the public trust.” She emphasized that law enforcement officers have a duty to the public and that no one, including police officers, is above the law.
The Pursuit and Copeland’s Actions
Copeland, after causing the crash, fled the scene on foot. He was later found disoriented and admitted to fleeing because he was scared. Copeland also claimed that he hadn’t seen the people in the car he struck.
He was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital before being arrested and booked into the Palm Beach County Jail. He faces charges of leaving the scene of a crash causing fatalities and resisting an officer without violence.
Investigators are scrutinizing whether the officers involved violated pursuit protocols by continuing the high-speed chase outside their jurisdiction.
The West Palm Beach Police Department’s Internal Affairs launched an investigation the day after the crash, and the case was handed over to the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Public Corruption Unit.
Emotional Impact and Community Grief
The deaths of Marcia Pochette and Jenice Woods have sent shockwaves through the community, sparking grief and outrage. The family of the victims, particularly Jenice’s father, Junel Pochette, has expressed their heartbreak over the loss. “Two and a half lives were taken away from me. My daughter, my wife, my future grandchild,” he said.
The community has also voiced concerns about the intersection where the crash occurred, with some calling for better traffic safety measures. “Accidents happen out there very frequently,” said Junel Pochette, urging authorities to take action to prevent future tragedies. Flowers and tributes have lined the crash site as a memorial to the victims, and local friends remember Jenice as a joyful and vibrant individual.
Police and Public Reactions
Following the incident, the West Palm Beach Fraternal Order of Police expressed their support for the officers involved, acknowledging the seriousness of the matter but urging the public to respect due process. Mayor Keith James also addressed the incident, emphasizing the city’s commitment to transparency and public safety.
Former Police Chief Frank Adderley, who was in office at the time of the crash, pledged full cooperation with the investigation and urged the community to let the facts dictate the outcome of the case.
The Road Ahead
The charges against the officers have sparked a broader conversation about law enforcement accountability and the consequences of high-speed chases.
For the family of Marcia Pochette and Jenice Woods, the legal proceedings provide a sense of justice, though the emotional toll of their loss remains immeasurable.
As the investigation continues, the case has become a tragic reminder of the risks involved in police pursuits and the devastating impact they can have on innocent lives.