Staff Report

MELROSE, Fla. – In a tragic turn of events, Brandon Reece Howard, 52, now faces charges of negligent homicide after an investigation into a fatal crash that occurred in September 2023. The accident claimed the life of Natasha Puente Borrego, a 42-year-old resident of Starke.

The Florida Highway Patrol’s investigation revealed the crash happened at 6:41 a.m. on September 19, 2023. Howard was behind the wheel of a pickup truck, speeding eastbound on State Road 26 at an alarming 98 to 107 mph in a zone designated for 60 mph. Simultaneously, Borrego was traveling westbound in a Ford Mustang at a speed between 58 and 64 mph. Near a curve approximately 300 feet west of County Road 219A, Howard’s truck veered off the road onto the south grass shoulder. Despite traveling at a minimum of 98 mph, the truck re-entered the roadway, spun out of control, and crossed into the westbound lane, colliding with Borrego’s vehicle. Despite her efforts to steer away, Borrego was unable to avoid the crash, leading to her untimely death.

In the aftermath, a state trooper interviewing Howard at the hospital noted he did not appear impaired. However, a voluntary blood test indicated the presence of marijuana and cocaine. Additionally, hospital staff reported that Howard had received pain medication, which included morphine.

Compounding the gravity of the situation, Howard was allegedly driving with a canceled license, no insurance, and illegal window tint at the time of the crash. These violations have led to further charges, including driving with a suspended license resulting in death and negligent homicide.

Howard’s legal troubles don’t end there. With five prior misdemeanor convictions, he also faces a sworn complaint related to an incident in January 2026, where he allegedly threw a beer can at a neighbor. Despite these allegations, Howard’s bail has been set at $200,000, a sum determined by Judge David Kreider in the arrest warrant and upheld by Judge Meshon Rawls.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.