Family claims driver killed in fiery crash didn't know car was stolen

Lionel Dorilas, 21, Javier Munoz, 44, killed in crash

MIAMI – A family is distraught after a 21-year-old man, accused of driving a stolen car, was killed when he crashed into a bicyclist and then struck a tree.

"I'm just lost for words right now," Lionel Dorilas' aunt Martine Jasmine said.

Dorilas and the bicyclist were both killed in Monday's crash.

"We lost a very quiet, humble young man," Dorilas' aunt Bee Louis said. "Unfortunately a young man who's 21… there are a lot of dumb mistakes. Unfortunately, it took both lives. Both families will never recover."

Miami police said Dorilas was speeding down Northwest 12th Avenue when he slammed into Javier Munoz, who was on a bicycle. Munoz's body was dragged several yards and the 44-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

"This is a very hard time for us and I know it's a very hard time for the other family," Louis said. "We deeply, deeply, deeply send our prayers to them and hope that they will find strength in this time of unbearable pain."

Witnesses in the area tried to jump in to help, but the flames were too intense.

"Lionel was at my house that very day at 5:30, and yet to know that his life was lost at 7:30," Jasmine said.

Police said the black Infiniti Dorilas was driving was reported stolen out of Sunny Isles Beach, something that his family claims doesn't add up.

"He purchased (the car) under the assumption that everything was on the up and up, but unfortunately he lost his life (and then) to know that that car was not legit," Louis said.

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About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.