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Man arrested in October 2022 crash that killed 2 women walking their dogs at Melbourne park, police say

Robert Lueck, 30, faces multiple charges

MELBOURNE, Fla. – A 30-year-old man was arrested Thursday in a crash that killed two women who were walking their dogs in a Melbourne park last year, according to the police department.

Robert Lueck faces multiple charges, including DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide.

According to police, Lueck on Oct. 18 was driving a Ford pickup truck on Front Street when he lost control of the vehicle and hit Megan Grace, 26, and Rikki Grace, 25, while they were walking their dogs on a sidewalk.

Rikki Grace was a 3rd-grade teacher at Imagine Schools of West Melbourne.

Police said an investigation revealed Lueck had a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit and that there was cannabis in his system.

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A new arrest affidavit reads that a boyfriend told police at the time of the crash, he, Megan and Rikki were walking with their dogs in a 5K race.

At the scene, police said Lueck explained he lost control of his F-150 when he drove onto the sidewalk, hitting Megan and Rikki.

Police said Lueck was emotional, but he wasn’t crying.

Last fall, Mary Smith told News 6 she saw the crash and then police talking to Lueck.

“He was real stellar, no emotions, no nothing,” the witness said. “It’s kind of sad because I would have been a nervous wreck if I just hit two people and they were dead at the scene, pretty much.”

Friday, Judge David Koenig granted Lueck a bond totaling more than $750,000.

If Lueck can post that bond, he’s not allowed to drive or have drugs or alcohol.

Earlier this year, memorial benches were installed for the women after their families asked Melbourne’s Parks and Recreation Department about building a memorial for them.

“I know the girls enjoyed this park and spent some time here,” Gina Petriens told News 6 in May. “It’s a way for them to come and be close to them in their memory.”

Lueck is expected to make a first appearance in court on Friday.

Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to call the department at 321-608-6731.


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About the Authors
Brenda Argueta headshot

Brenda Argueta is a digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021. She is the author of the Central Florida Happenings newsletter that goes out every Thursday.

James Sparvero headshot

James joined News 6 in March 2016 as the Brevard County Reporter. His arrival was the realization of a three-year effort to return to the state where his career began. James is from Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from Penn State in 2009 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.

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