Newly released body-camera footage captures the chaotic moments after a South Florida real estate developer allegedly crashed his SUV into a Miami-Dade home, killing an 82-year-old man who was asleep inside.
Allen Matis, 67, is accused of driving a Cadillac Lyriq through a stop sign on June 24 before leaving the roadway and crashing through the exterior of a home in the Coral Terrace area. Henri Bezy was inside the residence when the SUV struck the house and became trapped beneath the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The newly released footage shows deputies arriving after the crash and speaking with Matis, who appears confused and unsteady. At one point, he asks what happened and later tells deputies, “I didn’t do this.”
First responders can also be heard working around the wreckage as they discover Bezy beneath the SUV.
Investigators allege Matis was driving under the influence at the time of the crash. Blood tests taken after the collision showed alcohol concentrations ranging from 0.245% to 0.29%, more than three times Florida’s legal limit of 0.08%.
Vehicle data obtained during the investigation also became a key part of the case. Authorities said the Cadillac accelerated to about 43 mph in the moments before the impact and that the brakes were not applied before the crash. Investigators also said Matis had failed to stop at a stop sign before striking the residence.
The body-camera video shows Matis being taken to a hospital, where investigators sought a blood sample. When told that he was being investigated for suspected impaired driving, Matis questioned the process and attempted to refuse the test, according to the footage.
The crash also left Bezy’s sister, Clare Bezy, dealing with the loss of her brother. She was inside the home when the vehicle crashed through the wall. During an earlier court hearing, she described Bezy as someone who helped care for her and spoke about the shock of learning that he had died.
Matis was arrested in August and faces charges including DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide. A judge later ordered him to remain in jail without bond while the case moves forward. His defense has raised questions about whether a vehicle malfunction or driver-assistance technology could have played a role in the crash. Matis has pleaded not guilty.
Authorities also investigated Matis’ activities before the collision. Investigators said surveillance footage showed him drinking at the Ritz-Carlton in Coconut Grove before the crash.
Matis has worked in South Florida real estate development and has been connected through his consulting business to major Miami development projects, including the Miami Riverbridge project. A statement from the project said the firm had served as a consultant but declined further comment while the investigation remained active.
The case is now moving toward trial, with a hearing scheduled for November 2. Matis remains in custody as the criminal proceedings continue.
