DCF revises who was driving SUV in canal crash that killed 2 boys

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Canal crash cape coral

New information has been released after two children died last Wednesday night after the car they were in went into a Cape Coral canal.

Two brothers, 7 and 10 years old, died in that crash.

The adult occupants of the car were Kenneth Wayne Lawson and Julia Ann Drudy, both from Cape Coral, both of whom only suffered minor injuries.

A preliminary summary issued by the Department of Children and Families reported that Drudy was the driver and was impaired, but Wednesday, DCF revised their information to say the driver remains unknown, as does whether the driver was impaired.

Cape Coral Police Department confirmed alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash.

All four occupants were transported to a local hospital, where the 7-year-old child died as a result of injuries from the crash. The 10-year-old brother was transported to Golisano Children’s Hospital for treatment, but he died two days later.

Warrants for Lawson in Michigan are in-state warrants, which means Lawson can only be arrested in Michigan. The prosecutor says they won’t extradite him because of costs.

Cape Coral police are still investigating the canal crash. Even if Lawson was not the driver, Jeffrey Swartz, a former judge and prosecutor, says he could still face charges.

“If he knew that the driver was drunk and placed his children into that car, that’s not going to be hard to prove child abuse or aggravated child abuse,” Swartz explained.

If you witnessed the crash or have information about it, please contact the CCPD by calling (239) 574-3223, submitting an anonymous tip on its website, via TipSubmit, sending a message through CCPD’s social media platforms or calling Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS. Please use the Case Report #20-022144.

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