Florida Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Fatal Hit-and-Run of High School Senior

Tragic Loss of Zachariah Claybo

• 💔 Zachariah Claybo, a high school senior just weeks from graduation at Bartow High School, was killed in a hit-and-run incident last March.
• 😔 His family expressed their profound grief and anger in court, stating that their son, who was enjoying life and looking forward to new chapters, had his future stolen.

Driver's Actions and Legal Proceedings

• 🚗 Edgardo Rosado Perez admitted to running a stop sign at 75 mph, hitting Zachariah, and then fleeing the scene.
• ⚖️ Rosado Perez pleaded guilty to charges including failing to stay at a crash causing death and vehicular homicide.
• 🗣️ The defense argued Rosado Perez was stressed and balancing multiple jobs, while he himself apologized to the family, calling his actions a "bad decision" and not intentional.

Sentencing and Family's Plea

• 🧑‍⚖️ Judge Michelle Pinket sentenced Rosado Perez to 20 years in prison, with credit for time served.
• ⚠️ Zachariah's family hopes his death serves as an example for stricter punishments for reckless driving in Polk County, ensuring his senseless death is not in vain.