DEFENDANT SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS IN PRISON FOR DUI MANSLAUGHTER OF UBER PASSENGER AND INJURING THREE OTHERS ON NEW YEAR’S EVE
State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today, following a jury trial, Mark Barcia was sentenced to eighteen years in prison for DUI Manslaughter, DUI with Serious Bodily Injury and two counts of DUI with Personal Injury for a fatal crash that occurred at the intersection of Toledo Blade and Woodhaven, in Northport, when the Defendant slammed his Ford F250 truck into the back of an Uber on New Year’s Eve 2019. David Flick, 61, of Port Charlotte, died at the scene. Flick was a passenger riding in the Uber at the time of the crash. The other occupants of the Uber were also injured in the crash.
The Defense and State stipulated that both occupants of the Ford F250 were under the influence of alcohol to the extent their normal faculties were impaired and their respective blood alcohol levels exceeded the legal limit of .08. The defense centered their arguments on whether Barcia was the driver, and whether his operation of the Ford F250 caused or contributed to the death of David Flick and/or to the injuries of the surviving victims.
At trial, the State presented the testimony of two dozen witnesses, including Barcia’s passenger, civilians who stopped to render aid and saw Barcia exit from the driver side of the truck, law enforcement officers who responded to the crash and investigated the case, a crime scene analyst who took hundreds of photographs and collected physical evidence, expert witnesses who interpreted roadway markings and measurements, DNA evidence collected from the truck interior, and event data recorder data from both vehicles. The State also presented testimony regarding airbag deployment and deflation as well as passenger kinematics, which is the study of how vehicle occupants move during sudden stops, turns, or collisions.
After an eight-day trial and one hour of deliberation, the jury convicted the defendant on all four counts.
David Flick’s family, including his children and grandchildren, asserted that the loss they continue to suffer is the preventable consequence of Barcia’s decision to drink and drive, and they requested a maximum sentence.
For causing the death of David Flick, Barcia was sentenced to the statutory maximum of fifteen years in prison. After that, he will begin serving an additional three years of prison, followed by three years of probation, for the injuries he caused to the other victims.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorneys William Greiner and Brain Chambers in the Sarasota County office at 941-861-4400.