A teenager from Hialeah has pled guilty to charges stemming from a tragic car accident on April 24, 2024, which resulted in the deaths of three members of a Cuban family. Sixteen-year-old Maykoll Santiesteban appeared in a Miami-Dade courtroom on Friday, where he admitted guilt to three counts of vehicular homicide and driving without a license causing death. His parents and other family members were present at the hearing.
Being tried as an adult means Santiesteban faces a potential prison sentence ranging from 28 to 65 years. "The state intends to treat him as an adult. Given the serious consequences, we decided to enter a guilty plea," noted his attorney, Scott Kotler, speaking with Local 10 News.
Kotler explained that the guilty plea shifts the defense's strategy. Instead of contesting the charges in court, the focus will now be on seeking leniency from the judge and the victims' family. "I am advocating for a juvenile sentence. Due to his age, he qualifies for this consideration," Kotler emphasized.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 26. Santiesteban was just 15 years old at the time of the crash that tragically ended the lives of 39-year-old Yarina García Hernández, her 71-year-old aunt Gloria Esther Hernández, and her 65-year-old mother, Liliana Hernández Molina.
According to police reports, the teenager took his parents' car without permission for a joyride with friends when he collided with the victims' vehicle on the 400 block of Southeast 5th Street. He was reportedly driving nearly 55 mph over the speed limit.
Both Yarina and her aunt Gloria were pronounced dead at the scene, while Yarina's mother, Liliana Hernández Molina, succumbed to her injuries in September.
Legal Implications and Sentencing in Juvenile Vehicular Homicide Cases
What are the potential legal consequences for a minor tried as an adult in a vehicular homicide case?
A minor tried as an adult in a vehicular homicide case may face the same legal penalties as an adult, which can include significant prison time. In this case, Maykoll Santiesteban could receive a sentence between 28 to 65 years in prison.
Can a juvenile sentence be applied in cases of serious offenses like vehicular homicide?
Yes, a juvenile sentence can be applied if the court considers factors such as the offender's age and the circumstances of the case. The defense in this case is advocating for a juvenile sentence due to Santiesteban's age.