Man charged in killing now indicted in Lyft driver’s slaying.
Florida Man Indicted for Murder of Lyft Driver in Desperate Escape Attempt
A shocking and tragic incident unfolded in Boynton Beach, Florida, as authorities announced the indictment of Mathew Flores for the murder of a Lyft driver. This heinous crime occurred when Flores, already facing charges for another killing, stole the Lyft driver’s car in a desperate attempt to evade capture.
The Okeechobee County grand jury wasted no time in indicting Flores with first-degree murder and armed robbery for the slaying of 74-year-old Gary Levin on January 30. Astonishingly, Flores had a friend use the Lyft phone app to summon Levin in Palm Beach County while police were actively searching for him in connection with a previous murder in a central Florida farming community.
Tragically, Levin’s life was cut short when Flores shot him inside his 2022 Kia Stinger and callously dumped his body near Lake Okeechobee. Eli Lawson, a special agent in charge with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, revealed these chilling details. The authorities apprehended Flores three days later in North Carolina after a high-speed chase in Levin’s stolen car.
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Flores was recently extradited to Florida for the murder of Jose Carlos Martinez, which occurred on January 24 in Hardee County. Martinez, 43, was brutally shot multiple times. Currently, Flores is being held without bail on both murder charges and could potentially face the death penalty.
“Mathew Scott Flores is ultimately where he belongs,” declared Mr. Lawson during a news conference, emphasizing the importance of justice being served.
In the Martinez case, Flores has pleaded not guilty, and his attorney, Christopher Boldt, declined to comment. As for the charges related to Levin’s murder, Flores has yet to secure legal representation, and his arraignment is pending. It is worth noting that Flores had previously served time in a Florida prison for auto theft, grand theft, and illegal possession of a firearm before his release in 2017.
According to Mr. Lawson, after killing Martinez, Flores resorted to stealing multiple cars to evade law enforcement. He initially fled to Orlando and then made his way to Palm Beach County, where he abandoned his last stolen vehicle in a residential driveway. To further escape, he had his friend summon a Lyft, and it was Levin who unknowingly picked him up. Tragically, Levin drove Flores to Okeechobee County, where he met his untimely demise at the hands of his passenger.
“His murder was senseless and completely unnecessary,” lamented Mr. Lawson, highlighting the tragic nature of the crime.
After disposing of Levin’s body, Flores fled to North Carolina, where he had previously resided. Authorities from a U.S. Marshal’s task force tracked him down in the Asheville area, leading to his arrest following a three-county chase.
Levin’s body was discovered five days after the murder, thanks to investigators retracing his final ride with Flores, as revealed by Mr. Lawson.
Given that Flores was already in custody for the Martinez slaying, there was no immediate rush to press charges in the Levin case, explained Mr. Lawson.
The family of Gary Levin declined to comment on the tragic loss. It is worth noting that his daughter-in-law is an Associated Press reporter.
What safety measures should ride-hailing companies like Lyft implement to ensure the protection of their drivers and passengers?
It is with great sadness and shock that we report on a horrific incident that took place in Boynton Beach, Florida. The authorities have announced the indictment of Mathew Flores for the murder of a Lyft driver. This heinous crime occurred while Flores was already facing charges for another killing. In a desperate attempt to evade capture, Flores stole the Lyft driver’s car.
The Okeechobee County grand jury wasted no time in indicting Flores with first-degree murder and armed robbery for the slaying of 74-year-old Gary Levin on January 30. What is even more astonishing is that Flores had a friend use the Lyft phone app to summon Levin in Palm Beach County, all while the police were actively searching for him in connection with a previous murder in a central Florida farming community.
Tragically, Levin’s life was cut short when Flores shot him inside his 2022 Kia Stinger and callously dumped his body near Lake Okeechobee. Eli Lawson, a special agent in charge with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, revealed these chilling details. Flores was apprehended three days later in North Carolina after a high-speed chase in Levin’s stolen car.
The gravity of Flores’ actions is further amplified by his recent extradition to Florida for the murder of Jose Carlos Martinez on January 24 in Hardee County. Martinez, aged 43, was brutally shot multiple times. Currently, Flores is being held without bail on both murder charges and could potentially face the death penalty.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by anyone working in the ride-hailing industry. Lyft has been instrumental in providing convenient and affordable transportation options, but it is essential to prioritize the safety of both drivers and passengers.
Lyft and other ride-hailing companies should continue to implement stringent background checks and safety measures to protect their drivers and customers. Additionally, authorities must work diligently to apprehend and bring to justice individuals who engage in such violent crimes.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of Gary Levin during this difficult time. We hope that justice will be served swiftly, and that measures will be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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