Woman Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for 2006 DUI Crash in Hialeah

Leydis Menendez Abdala pled guilty to vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter after fleeing the country for nearly 20 years.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A 52-year-old woman has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter charges stemming from a 2006 crash in Hialeah, Florida that killed another woman. Leydis Menendez Abdala fled the country after the incident but was recently extradited back to the U.S. and booked into a Miami-Dade jail.

Why it matters

This case highlights the long-lasting impact of drunk driving incidents and the challenges law enforcement can face in tracking down suspects who flee the country to avoid prosecution. It also raises questions about potential police misconduct in assisting Abdala's initial escape.

The details

According to prosecutors, in August 2006, Abdala ran a red light in Hialeah and struck and killed 44-year-old Gloria Marcia Hall. Abdala's blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit, but before she could be arrested, her boyfriend, a Hialeah police officer, allegedly tipped her off and she fled to Mexico. Nearly 20 years later, Mexican officials deported Abdala, allowing authorities to extradite her back to Florida.

  • On August 12, 2006, the fatal crash occurred in Hialeah, Florida.
  • In August 2025, Abdala was deported by Mexican officials and extradited back to the U.S.
  • On February 10, 2026, Abdala was sentenced to 5 years in prison after pleading guilty.

The players

Leydis Menendez Abdala

A 52-year-old woman who pled guilty to vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter charges for a 2006 crash that killed another woman in Hialeah, Florida.

Gloria Marcia Hall

The 44-year-old victim who was killed in the 2006 crash in Hialeah, Florida.

Joaquin Freire

The victim's brother, who is a Miami Police Commander.

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What they’re saying

“It's bringing back the pain that this person has caused my family and I. Not only that, is she didn't accept responsibility for her actions. So that is the bigger thing.”

— Joaquin Freire, Miami Police Commander (nbcmiami.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Abdala to be released on bail while she serves her 5-year sentence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the long-lasting trauma of drunk driving incidents and the importance of holding offenders accountable, even decades later. It also raises concerns about potential police misconduct that may have enabled Abdala to initially flee the country.