West Palm Beach Fires 7 Officers After Fatal Chase In Boynton

Seven West Palm Beach Police Department officers were fired following a July 30, 2024, high-speed chase that resulted in the deaths of Marcia Pochette and her pregnant daughter Jenice Woods. The officers faced charges including Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death and official misconduct for failing to stop, render aid, or notify supervisors after the crash. Investigations revealed that three officers drove past the crash scene while the victims were still alive, and none of the seven officers called for help, instead returning to regular duties shortly after the incident. A photo showing some officers smiling and posing for a selfie outside jail as they turned themselves in has drawn criticism from law enforcement officials and the victims' families. The firings were met with disappointment from the local police union, which argued the officers were terminated before the legal process concluded and emphasized the presumption of innocence. State Attorney Alexcia Cox condemned the officers' actions as a betrayal of public trust, promising to pursue justice based on the facts and the law.