Active-Duty Marine Accused of Driving Over 100 MPH While Drunk in Crash That Killed Mother and 3-Year-Old Daughter

An active-duty U.S. Marine is facing serious charges after allegedly driving a Dodge Charger at more than 100 mph while intoxicated and crashing into a family’s Nissan Rogue on Interstate 95 in Stafford County, Virginia. The collision claimed the lives of 27-year-old Danna Palacios and her 3-year-old daughter, Ruby Palacios, while the child’s father suffered life-threatening injuries.

The crash happened at approximately 1:50 a.m. on November 6, 2026, as the family traveled northbound on I-95. According to Virginia State Police, a Dodge Charger driven by 25-year-old Malik Thomas struck the rear of their Nissan Rogue at a high rate of speed. The impact sent the Nissan off the left side of the interstate, where it overturned. Danna died at the scene, while Ruby was rushed to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to her injuries.

The young girl’s father, who was driving the Nissan, was seriously injured and taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Three passengers traveling in Thomas’ Dodge Charger also sustained minor injuries. Thomas himself was not injured in the collision. Photographs released by authorities showed the family’s vehicle severely crushed by the force of the impact.

Investigators later uncovered additional details about the circumstances surrounding the crash. During a court hearing, prosecutors said Thomas had been traveling at more than 100 mph when he struck the Nissan. Authorities also reported that his blood alcohol concentration was 0.17, more than twice Virginia’s legal limit of 0.08. The U.S. Marine Corps confirmed that Thomas was an active-duty service member.

Thomas was initially arrested on a driving-under-the-influence charge. After investigators gathered additional evidence, he was also charged with two counts of aggravated manslaughter. Each count carries a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A judge denied his request for bail, and he remains in custody as the case moves forward.

The deaths of Danna and Ruby have left their loved ones facing an unimaginable loss. A fundraiser established for the family described the tragedy as devastating, as relatives cope with losing a mother and her young daughter while the father continues recovering from serious injuries. Thomas is expected to return to court as the legal proceedings continue. The allegations have not yet been proven at trial, and he is presumed innocent unless convicted.