Jacksonville Driver Pleads Guilty in Fatal Wrong-Way Crash
Jacksonville, Fla. – A tragic incident unfolded in Jacksonville when Ariel Monteagudo, 40, pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide after causing a deadly head-on collision with an 18-year-old Creekside High School graduate. The incident occurred on May 9, 2023, on Old St. Augustine Road, claiming the life of Trenton Stewart.
Details of the Incident
On that fateful day, Stewart was driving east on Old St. Augustine Road when Monteagudo approached him at approximately 100 mph in the wrong direction, where the speed limit was only 45 mph. The violent collision sent Stewart’s SUV flipping and hurtling into a tree, which was located 138 feet from the point of impact. Emergency responders from Jacksonville Fire and Rescue rushed to the scene, attempting to free Stewart from the wreckage. Despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Legal Consequences
Monteagudo, who had previously served a ten-year sentence for a vehicular homicide in Broward County, was arrested by the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force nearly six months after the crash. Following his guilty plea, he faces a prison sentence of eight to twelve years, plus probation as part of a plea deal. Family members of Stewart have expressed their frustration regarding the leniency of the punishment.
Family’s Grief and Advocacy
Mandi Stewart, Trenton’s mother, has spoken about the harrowing decision to accept the plea deal, indicating that it was one of the most challenging moments since her son’s death. “The maximum sentencing for this guy’s second vehicular homicide is only 15 years. It’s really hard to process and accept,” she lamented.
In a poignant testament to her son’s memory, Mandi Stewart has created a special room filled with memorabilia and cherished memories of Trenton. “We created this room to find comfort and dwell on the memories we shared,” she shared during an emotional recounting of their loss.
A Legacy of Change
The Stewart family remains determined to honor Trenton’s memory by advocating for legislative change. They are pushing for a law that would call for stricter sentencing for repeat offenders of vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter. They have established the Trenton Stewart Foundation to support this cause and promote community initiatives in Trenton’s name.
“Every time we attend a court hearing, we carry our son’s memory with us,” Mandi said. “We are focused on leaving the world a better place, just as Trenton would have wanted.”
Upcoming Sentencing Hearing
A hearing has been scheduled for December 16, during which the court will determine the specific sentencing for Monteagudo. Mandi Stewart hopes that the conclusion of legal proceedings will allow her family to finally focus on celebrating Trenton’s life rather than being haunted by the circumstances of his death.
“There will never be full healing, but having this chance to focus on his memory instead of court dates will hopefully bring us some peace,” Mandi expressed, underscoring the lingering impact of their loss.
The community continues to reflect on the heavy toll such tragedies take not only on families but on society as a whole. The Stewart family’s advocacy may inspire change in laws surrounding reckless driving and their consequences.
