Man faces DUI manslaughter charges after crashing truck into building

Darryl Millelot

COCOA, Fla. – A 27-year-old man is facing manslaughter charges for allegedly killing a man he says was his best friend.

Police said they responded to a report of a truck that crashed into a building near the intersection of U.S. 1 and State Road 520 on Wednesday. When officers arrived, they found a truck inside the building at 440 West King Street.

Recommended Videos



The passenger in the truck, Darryl Millelot, 26, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, Cody Gates, received only minor injuries. Officers believed Gates was under the influence at the time of the crash.

Investigation revealed Gates had a blood alcohol of .201, which is nearly three times the legal limit. Police also found multiple alcohol containers inside the truck.

A sheriff's deputy who witnessed the truck before the crash said it was traveling at about 120 mph. The deputy followed the truck into Cocoa, where the truck failed to navigate a sharp turn and crashed into the building.

"We learned the two friends had been out drinking all night and ran up a bar tab of more than $100 in the Cocoa Beach area," said Detective Ben Erskine. "The reason it took this long to make the arrest was due to delays in confirming some of the evidence."

Gates faces up to 15 years in prison if found guilty of the DUI manslaughter charge. He is expected to face a judge Thursday for an initial court appearance at the Brevard County Jail.  


Recommended Videos