CONVICTION IN VEHICULAR HOMICIDE CASE – HECTOR SANTIAGO, JR. FOUND GUILTY IN DEATH OF 15-YEAR-OLD CYCLIST

CONVICTION IN VEHICULAR HOMICIDE CASE – HECTOR SANTIAGO, JR. FOUND GUILTY IN DEATH OF 15-YEAR-OLD CYCLIST

Hendry County, FL – June 27, 2025 – After an emotional three-day trial, Hector Santiago, Jr. has been convicted of Vehicular Homicide, Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death, and Driving Without a License Causing Death, bringing long-awaited justice to the family of a 15-year-old boy tragically killed in a 2023 hit-and-run.

The verdict was returned this afternoon by a Hendry County jury, following compelling evidence presented by Assistant State Attorneys Martin Stark and Haylie Gutierrez, both of the Traffic Homicide Unit under State Attorney Amira Fox for Florida’s 20th Judicial Circuit.

The Crime – September 2023

The fatal crash occurred in September 2023 on Case Road, a rural roadway in Hendry County, Florida. According to evidence and witness testimony, Santiago was speeding down the road when he struck a 15-year-old boy riding his bicycle. Instead of stopping to help, Santiago fled the scene, leaving the teenager fatally injured.

The young victim was pronounced dead shortly afterward from injuries sustained during the impact.

Evidence That Sealed the Verdict

Key pieces of evidence presented during the trial included:

• Surveillance video showing the teenager riding his bike, followed shortly thereafter by a fast-moving SUV matching the defendant’s vehicle.
• Eyewitnesses who observed the collision and saw the SUV speeding away.
• A vehicle “black box” analysis revealed that Santiago’s SUV was traveling at over 75 miles per hour at the time of impact—and there was no indication of braking immediately after the crash.
• The defendant’s SUV, when later located, had significant damage to its front-right corner.
• Crucially, the victim’s DNA was found on the engine compartment of Santiago’s vehicle.

Authorities were led to Santiago after a tipster contacted law enforcement, reporting a suspiciously damaged vehicle matching public descriptions shared in the media. This tip was instrumental in helping the Florida Highway Patrol, which led the investigation, to identify and arrest Santiago.

Legal Consequences and Sentencing

Hector Santiago, Jr. now awaits sentencing, which is scheduled for September 12, 2025. He faces substantial prison time, reflecting the severity of his actions: not only causing the death of a minor while driving recklessly and unlicensed, but also fleeing the scene instead of rendering aid or taking responsibility.

“This was a completely avoidable tragedy,” said Assistant State Attorney Martin Stark. “The defendant’s decision to drive recklessly and then leave an innocent child dying in the street showed a complete disregard for human life.”

“This conviction is a result of tireless work by law enforcement, prosecution, and the community,” added ASA Haylie Gutierrez. “Today, we delivered justice to a grieving family.”

A Community Still Healing

The loss of the young victim—whose name is being withheld due to his age—continues to resonate deeply throughout the Hendry County community. He was known as a kind, active teenager with a love for biking and school. His death left classmates, friends, and family heartbroken.

Community members have voiced both relief and sorrow following the conviction, grateful that accountability was achieved, but devastated that a young life was lost so needlessly.

Justice in Action

This case highlights the aggressive pursuit of justice by the Office of State Attorney Amira Fox, whose Traffic Homicide Unit remains committed to prosecuting those who endanger lives on Florida’s roads.

Sentencing Date: September 12, 2025

Jurisdiction: Hendry County, Florida

Charges:

• Vehicular Homicide
• Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death
• Driving Without a License Causing Death