Three Florida Men Sentenced Total 31 Years For Fatal Hit-and-Run Crashes

Several Florida men have recently been sentenced for fatal hit-and-run crashes involving pedestrians. James Black, 42, was sentenced to 18 years in prison for striking and killing David Horbal in North Branford, Connecticut, in March 2024, then fleeing the scene. In Fort Myers, Wilson Fernando Maliza Guanulema received a four-year prison sentence plus 10 years probation after pleading guilty to a January 2024 hit-and-run that killed a 52-year-old pedestrian. Additionally, Alvin Mootoo, 53, of Orlando, was sentenced to nine years for a 2019 crash in Passaic County that killed a 31-year-old pedestrian, with his conviction including second-degree reckless vehicular homicide. These cases involved extensive investigations by local law enforcement agencies and highlight ongoing efforts to hold drivers accountable for fatal accidents. Defense attorneys in some cases have criticized the severity of the sentences, citing acquittals on more serious charges or medical conditions of the defendants.