After fleeing a deadly hit-and-run accident, Juan Victor Santizhernandez was convicted in a jury trial of Driving Without a Valid Driver’s License Causing Death, Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Death, and Tampering with Evidence. The crimes were committed in September of 2023 and investigated by the Palmetto Police Department. The trial was held at the Manatee County Courthouse from June 23 to 25, 2025.
The crimes carry a maximum possible sentence of 40 years, if sentenced consecutively. The minimum mandatory sentence is 4 years. Sentencing is scheduled for August 20, 2025.
On September 03, 2023, at approximately 10:11 pm, at the intersection of US 41 North and 7th St. W. in Palmetto, FL, a fatal crash occurred. Santizhernandez, who does not have a valid driver’s license, took a left turn and drove into the right of way of the victim, Hoang Vuong, causing a crash…