Deadly DUI suspect appears before a judge

DELAND, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Bruno Torres stood before a Volusia County judge on Saturday.

"Mr. Torres, you're here on charges of DUI causing a death and DUI with damage to person or property. I find probably cause and appoint the public defender," the judge said.

The judge granted Torres' bond. 

"Count one, your bond is set at $50,000," he said. "Count two, your bond is set at $1,000. [It] gives you a total bond of $51,000. Good luck to you, sir."

Fifteen miles away was the lawn that was Donnie Meyers' pride and joy. 

It's the place the 83-year-old was working when troopers say Torres killed him. 

Troopers say Torres' blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit when he was driving eastward down the road. 

They say he lost control of his truck and smashed into Donnie Meyers. 

Meyers’ friends were heartbroken.

"My yard, he used to tell me about my plants, what I need to do to keep them healthy. He's not here no more," said Heidi Rotondo.

Friend Brenda Galley was stunned when she found out. 

"He's always working in the yard. My husband and I, we couldn't believe it. Shocked. Shocked, you know," she said.

Galley said it could have happened to any of them. 

"You just never know," she said. "Everyday is precious. That could have been anybody working in their yard."