New Port Richey Woman Killed In Pinellas DUI Crash

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — A Clearwater man faces DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide charges following the Thursday night crash claimed the life of a New Port Richey woman.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Dustin Lee Rhoades, 29, and Denise Diometre, 65, were both heading north on East Lake Road in the inside lane around 11:30 p.m. Feb. 16. Troopers say Diometre was ahead of Rhoades, driving in a Hyundai Elantra.

Rhoades is accused over overtaking the Hyundai at the intersection with Keystone Road. Troopers say Rhoades’ Ford Explorer struck Diometre’s vehicle in the rear.

Diometre was taken to a local hospital following the crash, but died from her injuries, according to a highway patrol report. Rhoades was arrested after providing breath sample that came back at 0.16, twice the legal limit, the report noted.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol