Second driver arrested after Dale Mabry racing crash that left woman dead, police said

Tampa detectives have arrested another man allegedly involved in a street race on Dale Mabry Highway that left a woman dead last week.

Daniel Hernandez, 19, was arrested Monday on charges of vehicular manslaughter, racing on a highway, reckless driving causing serious bodily injury and leaving the scene of an accident causing death, Tampa police said in a news release.

According to police, Hernandez, driving a 2021 Chevrolet Camaro, was racing 22-year-old Andy Moya Robaina on North Dale Mabry Highway on June 3 when Robaina’s 2011 BMW 335i collided with a 2015 Nissan Versa, which veered onto the road.

Both occupants of the Nissan were taken to the hospital. The driver, Thomas Strickland, 74, suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening. The passenger, Marsha “Linda” Strickland, 63, died at the hospital. Robaina was arrested on charges of vehicular manslaughter, reckless driving causing serious bodily injury and speeding on a highway.

Police had previously said they were looking for the driver of a “dark-colored vehicle” that “narrowly missed the Nissan” and continued south on Dale Mabry. The driver did not stop or return to the scene of the accident, police said.

On Monday, investigators received information that Hernandez was the other driver involved and arranged a meeting with him, the press release said. After questioning him, the detectives were able to establish sufficient suspicion and arrest him.

“This is another example of our investigators’ tireless commitment to bringing those responsible for traffic fatalities to justice,” Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said in the press release. “While we hope these arrests bring at least some closure to this tragic incident, they should also serve as a stark reminder that everyone is responsible for keeping our roads safe.”

Tommy Strickland, the son of Thomas Strickland, had previously told the Tampa Bay Times that his father was recovering from broken ribs, a bruised shoulder blade, bruises and cuts all over his body. He said his family was focused on making funeral arrangements for their mother and supporting their father during his recovery.

Robaina was being held without bail at the Falkenburg Road Jail on Tuesday. Court records show he has received citations in Hillsborough County since 2020 for speeding, failure to maintain a designated lane, disobeying a stop sign, failure to display proof of insurance and driving without a valid license.

Hernandez was held without bail at the Orient Road Jail and his Camaro was impounded, police said.