Frustrated Widow Seeks Justice After 4-Year Trial Delay for Driver Who Killed OC Deputy

A Widow’s Struggle with the Criminal Justice System

Nancy Grassi, a widow from Orange County, is deeply frustrated with the criminal justice system after her husband, David Grassi, was killed in a tragic traffic accident. David, a 19-year veteran of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, was sitting in his patrol car, guarding a construction zone on I-4, south of downtown Orlando, when a driver plowed into him. The crash left David with severe injuries and ultimately led to his death. Four years later, the driver responsible has still not gone to trial.

Grassi recalls the moment she learned about the accident as if it were yesterday. “I opened the door, and it was a lieutenant from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. They told me that David had been in an accident,” she said. Her husband, who had been married to her for over 31 years, was pushed against the steering wheel during the collision. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he could not be saved.

According to a 2021 crash report, the driver involved in the incident was speeding at 87 mph and was accelerating at 100 percent. Neil Demetree, the driver, admitted to being at a local strip club before the crash and consumed three beers. “I don’t want to (expletive) around. Three beers, Rachel’s,” Demetree stated during an interview with Orlando police.

Interestingly, officers did not arrest Demetree that night. Instead, they discussed whether he had a family member or friend who could pick him up. Demetree even asked if he could call an Uber or Lyft. It wasn’t until eight months later, in July 2022, that prosecutors charged him with vehicular homicide. However, Demetree skipped bail and has remained free, waiting for trial, for nearly four years.

“The criminal justice system does not respect the victims and their families,” Grassi said. She expressed her deep frustration with the delays and the lack of accountability for the driver.

Delays and Legal Challenges

9-Investigates spent weeks reviewing court records and shared them with a veteran criminal defense attorney who is not connected to the case. Kendell Ali, the attorney, noted that the time it has taken for the case to move forward is unusually long. “It’s a long amount of time for any criminal case to go on,” Ali said.

A major delay occurred in 2023 when prosecutors added a DUI Manslaughter charge against Demetree. This led to a series of motions from his attorneys, who argued that his blood alcohol level was below the legal limit when tested two hours after the crash. “You almost have to start all over again and redo discovery, file motions, and do additional investigations,” Ali explained.

Defense attorneys have also questioned whether the construction zone was properly set up to prevent a crash. Additionally, they wanted to test the patrol car to determine if it was moving when Demetree hit it. However, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office had already destroyed Grassi’s car, making further investigation impossible.

“I realize everybody has the right to due process, but when does it come due process, and then trying to drag it on. I’m not going anywhere. I’m not backing down,” Grassi said.

Upcoming Hearing and Ongoing Struggles

There is a hearing scheduled for March 24th to determine if testimony and evidence can be introduced, raising questions about why the sheriff’s office car was destroyed before it could be examined. Neil Demetree’s attorney emphasized that the motions filed through the years are about providing his client proper representation in a case that could land him in prison for at least a decade if convicted.

Despite the challenges, Grassi remains determined to seek justice for her husband. She continues to push for accountability and transparency within the system that has failed her and her family.