Ocala Man Faces DUI Manslaughter Charges After Crash
Joel Gonzalo Zelaya remains in jail following a fatal collision that claimed the lives of two people in Ocala.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Financial Crime
Ocala police have arrested 33-year-old Joel Gonzalo Zelaya on two counts of DUI manslaughter following a crash that killed De Lawn Marshall Duncan and Eric Maurice McGill. The incident occurred at the intersection of Southeast Maricamp Road and 36th Avenue after Zelaya allegedly drove while intoxicated.
Why it matters
The investigation has expanded to include an internal affairs review of an officer who stopped Zelaya shortly before the fatal crash but allowed him to continue driving. This review focuses on whether proper protocols were followed during the initial traffic stop.
Joel Gonzalo Zelaya currently faces two counts of DUI manslaughter and is being held at the Marion County Jail with no bond set. Authorities have confirmed that his blood alcohol test exceeded the legal limit at the time of the incident.
The players
Joel Gonzalo Zelaya
The 33-year-old defendant is currently being held at the Marion County Jail without bond following his arrest.
Ocala Police Department
This local municipal agency is responsible for investigating the fatal collision and managing the internal affairs review of the incident.
De Lawn Marshall Duncan
One of two individuals who lost their lives in the collision at the intersection of Southeast Maricamp Road and 36th Avenue.
Eric Maurice McGill
One of two individuals who lost their lives in the collision at the intersection of Southeast Maricamp Road and 36th Avenue.
The details
Zelaya and his brother admitted to consuming alcohol at a bar prior to the September collision. Investigators are now scrutinizing the actions of an officer who encountered the defendant just before the deadly event occurred.
Timeline
The fatal car crash occurred on September 29, 2026.
The arrest report was released on October 30, 2026.
Legal Context
This case highlights the rigorous enforcement of Florida's DUI manslaughter statutes and the procedural scrutiny applied to law enforcement conduct. The internal affairs review follows a pattern set by the Florida Highway Patrol's standard DUI investigation protocols regarding officer liability.
Residents should remain aware of ongoing investigations regarding traffic safety protocols that could affect local police interaction standards. No specific safety advisories have been issued, but the internal affairs review may lead to updated training for city patrol officers.
The takeaway
Alcohol-impaired driving remains a primary cause of preventable fatalities in the Ocala area, resulting in severe and permanent legal consequences for the offender. Drivers are reminded that operating a vehicle while over the legal limit significantly increases the risk of catastrophic accidents.
Further reading
For additional context on local law enforcement oversight, see Ocala Financial Crime.
