Jacksonville, Florida: Driver Admits Guilt in Fatal Wrong-Way Crash
Almost a year after initially pleading not guilty, Ariel Monteagudo has admitted to killing Trenton Stewart, an 18-year-old high school graduate and football player at Stetson University, in a tragic wrong-way crash. The incident occurred in May 2023, as Trenton was driving home from college for summer break.
The Incident
Monteagudo, 40, entered a plea deal at the Duval County courthouse, which will subject him to a prison sentence between 8 and 12 years. He will also face a minimum three-year suspension of his driver’s license. According to Florida law, the second-degree vehicular homicide charge he faces carries a maximum sentence of 15 years.
During the court session, Judge Jeb Branham asked Monteagudo if he believed that entering a guilty plea was in his best interest. Monteagudo responded, “I believe it is in the best interest of everybody, sir.” Trenton’s parents, Mandi and Robert Stewart, found such words disconcerting. Mandi stated, “I think it would have been in the best interest of everyone if this never happened. But at least we’re getting closer to the end of this.”
Ongoing Legal Journey
The Stewart family has faced an emotional rollercoaster as they have attended multiple court hearings over the past 18 months, including two plea filings. The family believes the punishment currently on the table is insufficient. Robert Stewart expressed their position, saying, “Justice is never going to be fully served for Trenton.”
Monteagudo was arrested in November 2023, approximately six months after the incident. His arrest report indicated that he was driving at an alarming speed of 113 miles per hour, which is 68 miles over the limit, when he struck Trenton head-on in the wrong lane.
Criminal Background
This is not Monteagudo’s first encounter with the law. He has a past conviction for a separate vehicular homicide in Broward County and has a history of other charges resulting in prison time. Given his record, Trenton’s parents worry that upon serving his upcoming sentence, Monteagudo could be back on the roads in the future. Mandi Stewart said, “I do not think that Trenton would be happy with what we have to define as justice in his name and in his honor.”
Foundation Efforts
In response to their loss, the Stewart family established the Trenton Stewart Foundation, which aims to offer scholarships to student-athletes and advocate for stricter penalties for drivers involved in fatal crashes, especially repeat offenders. The family has raised tens of thousands of dollars through their efforts.
Robert remarked on the issue, noting, “The fact that we’re sitting in a situation where we know this person has killed multiple people, and the maximum prison sentence is 15 years, is a huge disconnect for me.”
Upcoming Events and Future Steps
The foundation is set to host a fundraiser on December 18th at the Taps Bar & Grill in St. Johns, and a gala event is planned for February 15th next year to generate more support for its cause. Meanwhile, the court will reconvene on December 18 to examine Monteagudo’s criminal history and finalize a sentencing date, expected to fall around January 24, 2025.
