Summer Kerkau told another officer at the crash scene, their conversation recorded on video. OK?". JavaScript is disabled. (function(d, s, id) { The vehicle then went into a roll and Tamez and her 35-year-old female passenger, Georgia . FromLos Angeles International Airport (LAX)head west on W Century Blvd toward Vicksburg Ave and turn right onto S Sepulveda Blvd. She saw the two at a New Years party but they left before she could say goodbye. In a bizarre twist, the fatal accident occurred just blocks away from the University of Florida campus and an intersection where Mandel also crashed his car two years ago in a careless driving wreck, and one day after Mandel pleaded not guilty to unrelated speeding charges in Broward County in the same sports car. A persons life cant be quantified, said A. Daniel Vazquez of Gainesville, the familys lawyer. Nor does The Legal Advocate guarantee the reliability or accuracy of any statement or opinion provided by any attorney or legal service quoted or referenced in The Legal Advocate. This story was originally published July 30, 2020, 12:12 PM. Arcia said he was among the first to reach the wrecked car. This story reveals new details about what happened that night and in the months since the deadly crash on Jan. 9. About 8:05 p.m., police said, after Mandel left the restaurant, he swerved into oncoming traffic on a busy street two miles away where the speed limit is 45 mph. She filed for divorce in December from her husband, Stefano Itria, who said in an interview that he considers Mandel to be like his son. She filed for divorce in December from her husband, Stefano Itria, who said in an interview that he considers Mandel to be like his son. . Mandel has some driving history, and he is not quite 19 yet. She told Mandels lawyer, Dennis Ramsey of Gainesville, that she reserved the punishment of writing about roadside memorials in very special cases, and given your clients age and the driving history, I think its appropriate., In the letters Mandel wrote to the court after visiting roadside memorials, he wrote, They serve a greater purpose beyond providing comfort and relief to the family and friends of the deceased. Authorities say the incident happened around 2:25 a.m. on Arbrook near New York Avenue. A young woman, Kassandra Guzman-Ramirez, 20, of Weston, had died at the scene of a spectacular 75-mph car accident, pinned inside the crushed passenger seat of a sports car wrapped nearly around a utility pole. This story was produced by Fresh Take Florida, a news service of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications. I just wanted to punch him right in his damn face.. According to the patrol's report, the accident happened as Cote was eastbound on Highway 1804 in a 2004 Nissan Xterra. The owner of Downtown Wine and Cheese, Maude Wilson, declined to discuss the lawsuit. It is based on exclusive interviews and access to hundreds of pages of court records, an autopsy report and a review of photographs and body camera video from first-responders. Initial reports from Texas DPS said that the crash happened at approximately 3:52 a.m. along US 77 near mile marker 586. July 30, 2020 Fresh Take Florida, Law and public safety. The judge has ordered the parties to try to settle the case with a mediator Sept. 3. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED |, Kassandra Sepulveda Struck and Killed by DUI Driver on Byron Highway in Knightsen, Kassandra Sepulveda Killed in Knightsen DUI Pedestrian Accident on Byron Highway, Knightsen, California (September 7, 2021). The lawsuit said the restaurant should never have served Mandel alcohol because he was 19 at the time. By Stephany Matat Support WUSF now by giving monthly, or make a one-time donation online. His hope is to bring public awareness in order to change the laws to better protect our communities. or do you have a news tip for us? Soto, who was a rear-seat passenger, was ejected from the vehicle and suffered serious head trauma. Irvine, California Update or Upgrade Your Sustaining Gift Today! Arcia said he was among the first to reach the wrecked car. The bus missed a curve, crashed through the guardrail and toppled into a . All this will happen roughly three months before he turns 20 years old. It was just parked I didnt know the windshield was cracked., That does not happen, Kerkau said. An investigation into the fatal accident is underway. Please complete Her fifth child in the Traverse, a 13-year-old Giuliana, suffered a serious spinal injury and was transferred to Riley Hospital. What happened? He also said he was waiting for police to deliver food to him. A pair of black tights are a necessity, rather than just an accessory, to stay stylish and comfortable when temperatures drop. Bond Legal is organized as an LLC in Illinois and as a Professional Corporation in California. He was formally charged last month with a serious crime in Florida felony driving under the influence causing death, known as DUI manslaughter facing at least four years in prison but likely much more if convicted. The car carrying Kassandra and her daughter rolled over and hit a telephone pole. Mandel has not responded to calls, texts, emails and social media messages. A young woman, Kassandra Guzman-Ramirez, 20, of Weston, had died at the scene of a 75-mph car accident, pinned inside the crushed passenger seat of a sports car wrapped nearly around a. The couple dated for about two years, Garcia said. In the cold antiseptic environment of a hospital room, the police officer delivered the tragic news: Um, theres only one way to tell you this. Both women want the driver held accountable. He was ticketed for failing to stop at a red light in December 2016 in Broward County, but the court dismissed the case in exchange for Mandel agreeing to perform 20 hours of community service. At the crash in January, police asked Mandel whether he knew the date. Summer Kerkau told another officer at the crash scene, their conversation recorded on video. The incident happened when a vehicle struck Valdez as she crossed Interstate 17 and Thomas Road. The judge has ordered the parties to try to settle the case with a mediator Sept. 3. Bond Legal representatives are available 24/7. Van Vorst has declined to say, in hindsight, whether she believes Mandels sentence was appropriate. I had set that I absolutely needed him caught before Saturday because that would be my daughters 24th birthday, said Shannon Bonham, whose daughter Kassandra Jenkins was killed in the crash. Kassandra Mendoza broke down in tears Monday as she paid tribute to her daughter Saryah Perez who was shot and killed at a San Antonio car club meetup on Sunday night. She remembered watching Disney movies Moana and Aladdin with Guzman-Ramirez. The family will greet friends and family one hour prior to the service at the church starting at 10am. This story reveals new details about what happened that night and in the months since the deadly crash on Jan. 9. But they want something that represents full and fair reimbursement in terms of what was taken from them that a dollar amount can represent. The lawsuit said it sought a minimum of $30,000, but payouts in such cases are frequently much higher. Deadliest Accidents. A celebration of Kassandra's life will take place on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at the Chapman Memorial . The Shelby County prosecutors office says lab results showed Leisure II was driving drunk. Another decision may send him back. As police asked him what happened, with his car wrapped around the pole damaged so badly that the pole was teetering precariously and with his girlfriend dying inside, Mandel insisted that he had deliberately parked the car that way. Garcia, 20, said that she has known Mandel since high school and became friends with him through Guzman-Ramirez. 1.800.208.3538 Available 24 Hours, Free Consultation! Articles published by The Legal Advocate, do not constitute or contain legal advice, but instead . Bond Legal LLC lawyers are licensed in AL, AR, GA, IL, NC, NY, OK and SC. 30 in Lake Charles. The life of Guzman-Ramirez ended that night on West University Avenue, but the legal system isnt finished with Mandel. At moments during his police interview, Mandel laughed nervously and smiled. This company also runs packing houses in South Carolina and New Jersey. One person is dead after a fatal crash Friday night, Sheriff Bill Redman confirms. According to the investigation reports, a vehicle hit Valdez as she crossed Interstate 17 for reasons that are yet to be known. She filed for divorce in December from her husband, Stefano Itria, who said in an interview that he considers Mandel to be like his son. He was ticketed for driving 86 mph on a 70 mph highway in St. Lucie County in January 2018, but that case was dismissed upon a motion from his lawyer, Stephen Palmer Smith of Port St Lucie. The Legal Advocate is owned by Belsito Communications, Inc. Always pay attention to your surroundings. Guzman-Ramirez was an artist since she was a child with a personality larger than life, said Alyxandra Garcia, a close friend of hers from Weston. Some cases may be co-counseled with other lawyers. The law is different from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, and may be subject to interpretation by different courts. Aubrey in the backseat. Mandel told an officer at the hospital he had the equivalent of at least three glasses of wine two full glasses and tasting amounts of four or five other wines along with a cheese and bread platter, and he smoked marijuana earlier that day, in the morning. Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home. The content of this page is covered by and subject to our legal disclaimer. Hes like Haha, hows my girlfriend doing, haha, Kerkau said. Then, the vehicle fled the scene without stopping. Jenkins family had spent months doing their own research and making phone calls trying to find Leisure II. stored in any form without written permission from The Legal Advocate. Now, there is a roadside memorial for Guzman-Ramirez, too. As police asked him what happened, with his car wrapped around the pole damaged so badly that the pole was teetering precariously and with his girlfriend dying inside, Mandel insisted that he had deliberately parked the car that way. Mandel contacted her when she posted a photo of the painting on Snapchat, but its been the only time they spoke. The California Highway Patrol affirmed that Colby was intoxicated at the collision time. Mandel was arrested last month, taken to the Broward County Jail and released the same day on a $100,000 bond. Make yourself visible to other road users by wearing bright colored clothes, reflector jackets, or using a flashlight when walking at night. She remembered watching Disney movies Moana and Aladdin with Guzman-Ramirez. Yeah. He said it was Dec. 13, 2018, days before his careless driving wreck just a few blocks away.In that case, Mandel was ordered to complete four hours of a driver improvement course, pay $209 in fines and write two letters to Alachua County Court Judge Kristine Van Vorst after visiting two roadside memorials. Prosecutors say police officers witnessed Leisure II driving the wrong way and attempted to get his attention with flashing lights. This is Rebbekca Bolhuis who was in a car accident that took her mother's life way too young. At moments during his police interview, Mandel laughed nervously and smiled. A young woman, Kassandra Guzman-Ramirez, 20, of Weston, had died at the scene of a spectacular 75-mph car accident, pinned inside the crushed passenger seat of a sports car wrapped nearly. Kassandra Soto Injured in Goleta DUI Car Crash on Highway 101, Santa Rosa: Bicycle Accident at Stony Point and Bellevue Avenue, Deadly Pedestrian Accident on Tulip Street in Fairmount Park, Joseph Jacoby Killed in Mission Valley Pedestrian Accident. Her vehicle was struck by a 2015 Chrysler driven by Robert Lesure, 38, of Indianapolis. She died wearing a blue University of Florida hoodie. Mandel was staring blankly into the windshield while his girlfriend appeared unconscious. She couldnt breathe. SHELBY COUNTY, Ind. personalized experience where available. The staff of The Legal Advocate would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to Kassandra Soto and family. She attended Climax-Scotts schools her entire school career and graduated from there in 1997. Schoolchildren, teachers, anti-death penalty advocates and attorneys gathered across the street from the Florida State Prison in Raiford Thursday protesting the execution of David Dillbeck, a convicted murderer. Available 24 Hours 1.800.208.3538. He was formally charged last month with a serious crime in Florida felony driving under the influence causing death, known as DUI manslaughter facing at least four years in prison but likely much more if convicted. She was planning to attend Santa Fe College as a student. Menu, Toggle She took her final gasps as rescuers tried to free her: I was trying to get to her but it was hopeless, Officer Owen Osborne, one of the first police officers on the scene, recounted. Copyright 2019, Johnson Attorneys Group. The driver of the Chevrolet Traverse has been identified as 31-year-old Kassandra Zwierzynski. Meanwhile, Shraver was arrested for two counts of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence. (Candice Bond, Managing Partner, and Stefano Formica, Of Counsel, at Bond Legal, are the national legal analysts for The Legal Advocate. When someone has been injured in a car crash, it's hard to know what to do to help. With such an unexpected tragedy, there will be many medical bills for Rebbekca and funeral expenses for Kassandra Chaney Bolhuis. About 8:05 p.m., police said, after Mandel left the restaurant, he swerved into oncoming traffic on a busy street two miles away where the speed limit is 45 mph. At the crash in January, police asked Mandel whether he knew the date. He was formally charged last month with a serious crime in Florida felony driving under the influence causing death, known as DUI manslaughter facing at least four years in prison but likely much more if convicted. That's where an attorney can help. The driver of the Chevrolet Traverse has been identified as 31-year-old Kassandra Zwierzynski. LinkedIn. Mandels next court hearing in the DUI manslaughter case is Aug. 13 and he is facing a virtual court hearing 300 miles away the following day in an unrelated speeding case. She spent most of her life residing in the Scotts area. (WNDU) - UPDATE: The driver of the Buick Century has been identified as 32-year-old Stephen Stopcyznski. They serve as a reminder of the dangers of driving and the precautions that need to be taken each and every time we get into a motor vehicle.. If you would like to contribute any information or have any concern with this story, please contact us as soon as possible.. Garcia, 20, said that she has known Mandel since high school and became friends with him through Guzman-Ramirez. She, as well as four of her minor children who were in the vehicle, suffered minor injuries. The night of the crash, police said, the UF students blood-alcohol level was .12 and he tested positive for marijuana. They serve as a reminder of the dangers of driving and the precautions that need to be taken each and every time we get into a motor vehicle.. Post author: Post published: 23 May 2022 Post category: marc smith osu Post comments: lord and lady masham felicity and mark lord and lady masham felicity and mark Articles published by The Legal Advocate, do not constitute or contain legal advice, but instead provide general information with respect to common issues encountered by the general public with respect to theoretical legal matters. She attended high school in Weston with Mandel and moved to Gainesville to be with him, Garcia said. As police asked him what happened, with his car wrapped around the pole damaged so badly that the pole was teetering precariously and with his girlfriend dying inside, Mandel insisted that he had deliberately parked the car that way. 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