Hialeah, Florida – A 15-year-old driver is set to face adult charges following a fatal crash in Hialeah that claimed the lives of two women and left another critically injured. Maykoll Santiesteban will be charged with multiple offenses, including two counts of vehicular manslaughter and three counts of driving without a license.
Speeding and Fatal Consequences
According to Hialeah Police Lt. Eddie Rodriguez, Santiesteban was driving his father’s Nissan car at a staggering 83 miles per hour just seconds before the collision, which occurred in an area with a speed limit of only 30 miles per hour. The tragic incident unfolded near Southeast Fourth Street and Fifth Avenue around 8 p.m.
Joyride Turned Tragic
Reports indicate that Santiesteban took his father’s car for a joyride with two 15-year-old companions. Tragically, the reckless actions led to a devastating outcome, impacting not only the lives of the victims but also those involved in the crash.
Victims Identified
Authorities have identified the victims in the other vehicle as Yarnia Garcia Hernandez, 39, and her aunt, 71-year-old Gloria Hernandez. Both women, who were seated in the front of the vehicle, succumbed to their injuries as a result of the collision. Additionally, Hernandez’s mother, Liliana Hernandez Molina, remains in critical condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital Ryder Trauma Center.
Conflicting Accounts
Initial accounts suggested that Hernandez’s vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign, leading to the collision. However, police reviewed video footage indicating that the vehicle did come to a complete stop before entering the roadway. Despite this, Santiesteban’s car, traveling at high speeds, collided with Hernandez’s vehicle, resulting in the tragic outcome.
Community Shock and Grief
Witnesses described the scene as traumatic, with one neighbor, Yaima Pimenta, recounting hearing an explosion and rushing to assist the victims. The incident has left the community shaken, highlighting the importance of responsible driving and the devastating consequences of reckless behavior behind the wheel.
Legal Ramifications
Santiesteban could potentially face up to 45 years in jail for his involvement in the crash. While investigations are ongoing, authorities stress the severity of the charges and the need for accountability in such tragic events.
Seeking Justice
The family of the victims, while declining to speak on camera, expressed their intention to hold a news conference to ensure that Santiesteban faces the consequences of his actions. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community mourns the loss of the two women and prays for the recovery of Liliana Hernandez Molina.
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