Cape woman charged with DUI manslaughter
A Cape Coral woman is facing DUI manslaughter following a fatal crash last October.
Cynthia M. Moss, 53, of 1726 S.E. 10th St., was arrested and charged on Tuesday with homicide negligent manslaughter vehicle DUI cause death to human or unborn child, along with three counts of DUI unlawful blood alcohol damage property, in the Oct. 31 death of Annette Cara Jones-Bowers.
As of Thursday, Moss remained in custody at the Lee County Jail on $60,000 bond.
The Florida Highway Patrol conducted a several-month investigation into the fatal accident.
According to FHP officials, a toxicology analysis of Moss’ blood determined that she had a blood alcohol content of .103, as well as texted positive for oxycodone, benzoylecgonine and THC.
“Florida law considers a driver with a .08 or higher blood alcohol content to be impaired,” Lt. Greg Bueno said. “Driving impaired from alcohol or drugs puts everyone on the roadway in danger.”
Jones-Bowers, 55, of Fort Myers, was pronounced dead from her injuries at Gulf Coast Medical Center, where she was taken after the crash at U.S. 41 and Michael G. Rippe Parkway, according to the FHP.
Moss was driving a Dodge Charger northbound on 41 in the outside lane and approaching Michael G. Rippe. Jones-Bowers was westbound on Michael G. Rippe in a Ford Mustang in the left turn lane.
At 11:32 p.m., Moss failed to stop for a red light as Jones-Bowers made the left turn and entered the intersection on a green arrow. The FHP reported that the front of the Charger collided into the driver’s side of the Mustang. The vehicles came to a final rest in the intersection of 41 and Michael G. Rippe.
Jones-Bowers sustained fatal injuries in the accident, according to officials.
Moss suffered minor injuries, along with her two passengers.
The FHP reported that she nor her passengers were taken to a hospital for treatment.
According to Lee County records, Moss was nolle processed on the charges of possession of paraphernalia and possession of marijuana not more than 20 grams in December 2015.
Additionally, she pleaded guilty to unlawful speeding in 2006, after pleading no contest to unlawful speeding earlier in the year and electing to attend aggressive driving school. In 2005, Moss pleaded no contest to failing to obey a traffic control device and also attended driving school, the records state.
Four years earlier, she pleaded no contest to the same charge and attended driving school.
Moss has a court appearance scheduled for May 15.