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Ten months after a tragic incident at Claude Edge Front Street Park in Melbourne, a Satellite Beach man has been arrested and is facing charges of DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide. The suspect, Robert Lueck, 30, was taken into custody on Thursday and is currently being held without bond at the Brevard County Jail Complex, according to a press release issued by the Melbourne police on Friday.

The crash occurred on October 18, 2022, when an out-of-control pickup truck veered onto a sidewalk, fatally striking two young women who were out for an evening walk. The victims, Rikki Grace, 25, and Megan Grace, 26, were Palm Bay residents and graduates of Bayside High. It is important to note that they were not related.

The press release states that Lueck’s blood-alcohol level was found to exceed the legal limit at the time of the crash. Additionally, cannabis was detected in his bloodstream. Further investigation revealed that Lueck was driving with a suspended license, operated his vehicle recklessly, and did not have insurance coverage at the time of the incident.

Lueck has been charged with two counts of DUI manslaughter, two counts of vehicular homicide, driving with a suspended license resulting in death, DUI resulting in property damage or personal injury, DUI, and failure to maintain financial responsibility.

During Lueck’s initial court appearance, his bond was set at 2,500. The Public Defender’s Office has been appointed to represent him. Lueck is scheduled to be arraigned on September 14 at the Harry T. and Harriette V. Moore Justice Center in Viera.

In May, memorial park benches were dedicated to honor Rikki Grace and Megan Grace at the Front Street crash site. The benches, located between New Haven and Melbourne avenues, are adorned with flowers, photos, and other tributes.

Rikki Grace, a third-grade teacher at Imagine Schools in West Melbourne, was known for her volunteer work at H.A.L.O. No-Kill Rescue Shelter and Girls on the Run. Megan Grace worked at the Hale Hand Center, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Treasure Coast, and Vero Orthopaedics.

Melbourne Police Sergeant Ben Slover highlighted the complexity of investigations such as this one, emphasizing the importance of gathering all necessary evidence before making an arrest to ensure a successful prosecution.

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