Marcia Pochette and Jenice Woods die in fatal Boynton Beach car crash
Fatal Boynton Beach car crash death of Marcia Pochette and Jenice Woods – Obituary
Marcia Pochette, 57, and her 27-year-old pregnant daughter, Jenice Woods, lost their lives in a deadly car crash in Boynton Beach in July 2024. The collision occurred when Neoni Copeland, 23, attempted to flee from West Palm Beach Police officers and slammed into the women’s vehicle on North Congress Avenue.
Nearly a year later, seven officers from the West Palm Beach Police Department have been arrested in connection to the fatal incident. The arrests took place on June 4, 2025, following a prolonged investigation that began shortly after the crash. Authorities say the officers were placed on administrative leave back in August 2024.
Three officers—Austin Danielovich, Pierre Etienne, and Christopher Rekdahl—face two felony counts each for fleeing the scene of a fatal crash and an additional charge of official misconduct. Four others—Michael Borgen, William Loayza, Brandan Stedfelt, and Darien Thomas—have been charged with official misconduct.
The State Attorney’s Office, which publicly named the officers on Thursday morning, emphasized the seriousness of their alleged actions. State Attorney Alexcia Cox described the behavior as a grave violation of public trust and affirmed that accountability would be pursued under the law.
The West Palm Beach Fraternal Order of Police expressed sorrow over the deaths and pledged support for the officers during their legal proceedings, while Mayor Keith James stressed his commitment to transparency and safety for the city’s residents.
