Man accused of deadly Matlacha DUI crash takes plea deal

A man accused of driving drunk and crashing into the patio of a Matlacha restaurant on April 14, 2024, killing a woman and injuring others, has taken a plea deal with the state.

Cody Curtis will serve 24 years in the Department of Corrections and six years of probation after his release.

The incident happened at That BBQ Place on April 13, 2024, when Curtis crashed into the restaurant. Four and a half hours after the crash, he blew a 0.13 BAC.

He killed 80-year-old Marylou Sharp and injured four others who were dining at the restaurant.

The police report regarding Curtis detailed that he was intoxicated at Phuzzy’s Boat Shack in Saint James City.

Curtis’ previous attorney spoke with WINK News, mentioning that a plea deal was offered and would likely be taken.

Curtis said that his attorney, Robert Hines, did not have his best interest at heart, prompting him to write a letter to the judge asking for new representation. Hines eventually dropped Curtis as his client, which led to new representation on his behalf.

WINK News reporter Olivia Jean spoke with Sharp’s family who say Tuesday was an emotional day for them as they have spent months in court, hoping for a sentence.

They say while they were hoping for the maximum sentence of life in prison, they are relieved to know that his next 24 years will be behind bars.

“She always sent Christmas cards. We didn’t get any of that this year,” Danielle Darna, Marylou Sharp’s granddaughter, said.

Curtis left many families heartbroken and having to pick up the pieces, whether that be a funeral or undergoing multiple surgeries. Curtis addressed the courtroom at his plea hearing.

“I don’t have the words to express how truly sorry I am. I would never believe that one day it would be my actions that would cause someone to lose their life and seriously hurting multiple others,” Curtis said.

He went on to say, “One thing I need you to know is I never meant to hurt anyone. I truly am so very sorry for this tragic accident of which the weight will be with me for the rest of my life.”

“Forgiveness is not there for us. His letter kind of went in one ear and out the other,” Danielle Darna said.

“He’s forever changed our life, and I hope he is forever changed as well,” Kasha Darna, another one of Marylou’s granddaughters, said.

James Ermacora, Curtis defense attorney said Curtis could not have done better than the deal that was offered, especially if he went to trial.

“I think it was a good resolution for both the victims and for my client. It was fair. It’s obviously a significant punishment, a lengthy prison sentence followed by probation. So, it’s a significant sentence. It’s not like you got a slap on the wrist,” Ermacora said.

No one injured in the crash was in court for the plea hearing, but some family members were.

Mary Lou’s oldest daughter, Brenda Robinson, sent a statement that the state attorney read. It brought tears to the courtroom.

“Her life is cut short because of a drunk driver and his choices. Our mother did not get a choice. She was a hard-working, wonderful lady. Our closure is now in your hands. For me, it’s the no closure, not getting to say goodbye, knowing she had lots of life left in her, not being able to pick up the phone and say, I love you, mom,” Robinson wrote.

She noted that the letter was written on behalf of Marylou’s entire family.

“We have forever lost our connection with our mom, and is devastating to say the least, an illness would be awful, but it could have prepared us for what’s to come. My mom only had arthritis. She wasn’t sick with any illness, therefore being wiped away in a moment because of this, Cody Curtis, who wants and chooses to drink himself into oblivion,” Robinson said.

Robinson went on to write, “We have lost our mother forever. No goodbyes, no nothing. Our mother was an active lady with no health issues other than arthritis. We found out on Facebook, and my mom did not do Facebook. It was like being a bad dream to see our mother’s name on Facebook and that she was dead. That was traumatizing to us. She doesn’t get to finish watching her grandkids grow up, or them have our great grandkids.”

As part of the plea deal, Curtis is no longer allowed to drink alcohol and has a lifetime suspension of his driver’s license.

“The lifetime suspension on his driver’s license was almost everything I asked for, you know, so I’m happy,” Kasha Darna said.

“For me, moving forward is hopefully paid at this time, and we see them in 24 years on the other end, and we can carry on grandma’s happiness like she always spread,” Danielle Darna said.

Curtis will serve his term at the Florida Department of Corrections and will be given credit for the 268 days he has already served.

An appeal for this case is likely impossible as Curtis has waived most of his rights.