Woman killed Friday after vehicle strikes tree in Vero

DNA on hat leads to arrest in car theft involving child

VERO BEACH — Forensic detectives collected sweat from inside a hat left at the scene of a September car theft, leading police to file charges against the suspect. The DNA positively matched Tevin Devonte Wallace, who police said stole the vehicle with a 10-month-old baby inside. "We sent the hat to the (Indian River) crime lab and the lab was able to retrieve sweat from the hat," said Kelsea Callahan, spokesperson for the Vero Beach Police Department. "Due to Wallace being a felon, his DNA was already in the labs system and that is how he was identified." The baby was unharmed and was in the back seat when officers found the vehicle, police said. Wallace, 29, of Vero Beach, ...

Man charged in stabbing woman, requiring surgery

VERO BEACH — A 34-year-old man was jailed after a beating and stabbing that left a woman with severe injuries requiring surgery earlier this week, officers said. Police reviewed surveillance footage and described the incident as a vicious, unprovoked attack. "After speaking with medical staff, it was reported that (the victim) received treatment for four lacerations to the lower intestines, two lacerations to the colon and the removal of her spleen," Vero Beach police said in a report. The woman, along with police, identified the suspect as Trayvious Lewis Hullett, who was in a relationship with the woman, reports show. Hullett, of the 200 block of 6th Drive, Vero Beach, was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Hullett ...

Mother charged in DUI crash that left her and daughter seriously hurt

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A woman who deputies said drove at a high speed while intoxicated before crashing the vehicle in a ditch - seriously injuring herself along with her daughter - was jailed last week. The 5-year-old girl had to undergo surgery for a fractured left femur, reports show. Alondra Daniela Castro Rios, 24, of the 300 block of 8th Avenue, Vero Beach, was charged with DUI seriously bodily injury to another and DUI with person under 18 in the vehicle. Castro Rios was released Feb. 28 from the Indian River County Jail on a $55,000 bond. The wreck happened about 10 p.m. Jan. 6 in the 8200 block of 9th Street Southwest, just east of I-95. Several witnesses ...