An Instagram model from New York who crashed her Mercedes, causing a three-car wreck in Miami that killed two people, told police she was under the influence of party drugs and believed she was from the future.

Maecee Marie Lathers, 24, confessed to police she was under the influence of “pink cocaine”, a synthetic drug containing ketamine that is also known as 2C, when she ran a red light on Aug. 10 and crashed into two cars—killing driver Abraham Ismael and his rear-seat passenger. Ismael’s wife, Juanita Hernández, who was in the front passenger seat, survived the crash.

Lathers reportedly also tried to flee the scene and had to be stopped by onlookers.

According to a police report read by Florida 11th Circuit Court Judge Mindy S. Glazer, Lathers told police, “She advised she was under the influence of ‘2C’ a known party drug and that she was from the future and had a crystal ball.”

Glazer continued, “She’s an absolute danger to the community based on killing or driving when she shouldn’t have been in a car and she’s clearly impaired based on her statements… and if it wasn’t for the citizens or witnesses nearby who stopped her, she would have completely fled.”

Deadly Crash

The crash occurred on August 10 when Lathers was driving south on North Miami Avenue. Lathers ran a red light at Eighth Street and slammed into a black Range Rover, leading to a chain reaction that involved a silver Suzuki sedan. The driver of the Range Rover suffered minor injuries.

The driver of the Suzuki, Abraham Ismael, was killed. A rear passenger in the Suzuki also died at the scene.

Hernández survived the crash but was hospitalized. She said she is unable to work because of the injuries she suffered. She also said that her husband’s mother lives in Nicaragua and suffers from Parkinson’s disease. Hernández wrote on a GoFundMe page: “I am now unable to work due to my injuries, and the boy’s life has been turned upside down. His mother, who lives in Nicaragua, suffers from Parkinson’s disease and is now not only grieving but also left without the financial support her son provided.”

Model’s Past

Lathers, whose license has been suspended since January, attempted to flee the scene of the crash but was stopped by bystanders who grabbed her and brought her back to the crash. Police found Lather vomiting as she later admitted to being under the influence of the party drug.

Lathers is from Fort Plain, NY, but has been living in Florida since 2022. On her Instagram account, which has only 11,000 followers, she describes herself as “dope in real life” and boasts that she has “money on my brain.” She is affiliated with two modeling agencies. Her photos typically show her wearing revealing tops.

Court Appearance

Lathers appeared in court on Friday wearing a green anti-suicide vest. Her attorney, Martez Gordon, appeared remotely. Lathers was charged with four counts of driving without a license resulting in death or serious injury and four counts of leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death or serious injuries, all felonies.

Glazer said, “She’s an absolute danger to the community based on killing or driving when she shouldn’t have been in a car and she’s clearly impaired based on her statements.” She added, “And if it wasn’t for the citizens or witnesses nearby who stopped her, she would have completely fled.”

Glazer ordered Lathers to be held on a $140,000 bond. If she posts the bond, she will be placed on house arrest with a “No Driving Order.”

Charges

Prosecutors said they were awaiting results from a toxicology report before they would determine whether they would file additional charges. They noted they were likely to charge her with DUI manslaughter.

Gordon argued against the $500,000 bond requested by prosecutors, saying it was unreasonable. He said that Lathers, a college graduate, has been living in Florida for almost two years and there was nothing to suggest that she is a flight risk.

Additional Information

According to the Daily Beast, “Pink cocaine,” also known as “tusi” or 2C, is a synthetic drug concoction linked to a dangerous Venezuelan gang and blowing through New York City’s drug scene.

A 2023 medical journal article describes tusi, or 2C, as “a new ketamine concoction” also known as “pink cocaine.” That same year, Local 10 News produced a special report on the “nightclub narcotic,” said at the time to be the number one drug seized at Miami International Airport.

The Aftermath

“She’s an absolute danger to the community based on killing or driving when she shouldn’t have been in a car and she’s clearly impaired based on her statements,” Glazer said. “And if it wasn’t for the citizens or witnesses nearby who stopped her, she would have completely fled.”

The deadly crash has left a community reeling, and the tragic loss of life serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired driving. As the legal process unfolds, it remains to be seen what fate awaits Maecee Marie Lathers. However, one thing is clear: this incident has highlighted the dangers of drug use and the importance of responsible driving.