A speeding Dodge Charger struck the back of a family SUV on Interstate 95 in Stafford County, Virginia, leaving a mother and her young daughter dead and the child’s father fighting for his life. The crash happened shortly before 2 a.m. Friday, November 6, 2026. The driver accused of causing the collision, 25-year-old Malik Jeremiah Thomas, now faces two counts of aggravated involuntary manslaughter.
The victims were identified in the supplied account as Danna Ruby and her daughter, Ruby Arizbeth. Danna was born on December 6, 1998, while Ruby was born on April 8, 2023. The mother died at the scene, while her little girl was taken to a nearby hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Virginia State Police said the crash occurred around 1:53 a.m. on northbound I-95 near mile marker 141. Preliminary findings indicate that Thomas was driving a Dodge Charger at a high rate of speed when it struck the rear of the family’s Nissan Rogue.
The impact forced the Nissan Rogue off the left side of the interstate, causing it to overturn. Danna, who was riding as a passenger, did not survive. Her daughter was rushed for medical attention, but doctors could not save her.
The child’s father, who was behind the wheel of the Nissan Rogue, suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to a hospital. He was reportedly the husband of Danna and the father of Ruby. Three people riding in the Dodge Charger also suffered minor injuries. Thomas was not hurt.
The investigation took another turn when Stafford County Commonwealth’s Attorney Eric Olsen disclosed details about the driver’s condition. Thomas reportedly had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.17%, more than twice Virginia’s legal limit. Olsen also said Thomas identified himself as an active-duty Marine.
Thomas was initially charged with driving while intoxicated. Prosecutors subsequently brought two counts of aggravated involuntary manslaughter, one for each life lost in the collision. Each charge carries a possible maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. His arraignment was expected to take place on November 9, 2026.
The crash also brought traffic to a standstill along northbound I-95. Authorities closed the affected lanes while emergency crews responded and investigators examined the scene. The Virginia Department of Transportation later confirmed that all northbound lanes had reopened by 7:09 a.m. Friday.
For the surviving father, the consequences extend far beyond the physical injuries he suffered. He now faces the loss of his wife and the little girl they shared, while their relatives must come to terms with losing two members of the same family in a single crash.
Virginia State Police continue investigating the collision as the criminal case proceeds. For Danna Ruby and Ruby Arizbeth, there will be no more birthdays together, no more mother-daughter photographs and no chance to experience the years they should have had. Their family is left to remember two lives that ended much too early.