CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Clody Gonzalez Vera has been sentenced to 15 years in state prison.
Gonzalez Vera was found guilty in January of leaving the scene of a crash and tampering with physical evidence in a hit-and-run crash on the Cape Coral bridge in February 2020. The Florida Highway Patrol said Gonzalez Vera hit 21-year-old Austin Manke's scooter then left the scene.
On Friday, attorney for Gonzalez Vera says the family is saddened at what this means for the 22-year-old.
Family members of Austin Manke spoke during the sentencing. His aunt described him as "the life of every gathering he attended". His mother, Amanda Turner, says she often remembers the early morning that changed her life.
“I often think about the day. How he went through the day in his normal motions -not knowing that it would be his last while the defendant drove away-not even making a phone call," Turner said.
After the sentencing, Turner told FOX 4 she believes Gonzalez Vera was "held accountable".
Attorneys for the Gonzalez Vera family tells FOX 4 that they plan to file an appeal.
Though they did not speak in court, letters were submitted to the court by family and friends in support of Gonzalez Vera.
In addition to a 15-year-prison sentence, Gonzalez Vera was also ordered to 15 years of state supervision, and 120 hours of community service.
February is Hit & Run Awareness month.
We’ve seen a rise in those crashes across our state.
In 2020, the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported 983. In 2021, that number was 1,176. In 2022, we’ve seen 3,049 across the state.
The Florida Highway Patrol says never leave the scene of a hit and run.
