Driver Who Hit Motorcycle Head-On Now Charged With DUI Manslaughter

Posted

Deltona, FL - The man who collided with a motorcycle head on and killed its rider in October is now charged with DUI manslaughter.

The Volusia Sheriff’s Office says Devin Barksdale was arrested just over four months after his pickup truck hit John Candeto’s motorcycle, killing him. Through the investigation, deputies determined that Barksdale was impaired when he hit and killed Candeto.

According to a report, deputies who responded to the crash scene noticed signs of impairment. The result of two blood tests taken just three hours after the crash eventually indicated a blood alcohol content level of .088 and .089, both over the legal limit.

On October 7, 2021, Candeto was traveling south on Deltona Boulevard when Barksdale, who was headed north in a left-turn lane, turned and hit him head-on. He initially told deputies he did not see Candeto in his path when he tried to make a turn towards Gaynor Court. Candeto was transported to the hospital in critical condition and later died.

Barksdale’s arrest warrant was served to him in the Volusia County Branch Jail, where he already remained in custody with no bond. He was in jail for violation of probation and possession of fentanyl, unrelated to this case.