Citrus County Man Sentenced to 15 Years for DUI Manslaughter

Kevin Cason, a 54-year-old resident of Citrus County, has pleaded no contest to charges of DUI Manslaughter in a case stemming from a tragic incident in 2021 that resulted in the death of a Homosassa man. Cason accepted a plea agreement that includes a 15-year prison sentence.

The incident occurred on September 22, 2021, when Cason was driving his red Dodge Ram 2500 pickup truck after consuming alcoholic beverages at a local Eagles Club. Traveling westbound on Grover Cleveland Blvd., Cason collided with the rear end of a Ford Excursion driven by William Cumbie. Cumbie lost his life in the accident, while his wife, who was also in the vehicle, survived.

According to Florida Highway Patrol troopers who investigated the scene, Cason's driving was described as reckless in their report. Witnesses noted that he had left the local bar just minutes before the crash. Blood tests confirmed that Cason was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision.

At sentencing, the surviving victims shared their heartfelt accounts of how this tragic event profoundly affected their lives. Following Cason's plea of no contest, Citrus County Circuit Judge Joel D. Fritton sentenced him to 15 years in prison, to be followed by a probation period. Assistant State Attorney Blake Shore prosecuted the case.

Posted on 6/1/2023