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The teenager from Hialeah who caused a traffic accident on April 24, 2024, in which three Cuban family members died, has just pleaded guilty to the charges.
Maykoll Santiesteban, 16 years old, appeared in a Miami-Dade courtroom on Friday where he pleaded guilty to three counts of vehicular homicide and driving without a license resulting in death. His parents and other family members attended the hearing.
When judged as an adult, the young man could face a sentence of between 28 and 65 years in prison.
"The state wants to treat him like an adult. His exposure is significant, which is why the decision was made to plead guilty before the court," his lawyer, Scott Kotler, told Local 10.
According to Kotler, the change in statement shifts the focus of the defense. Instead of fighting in court, it will now concentrate on seeking mercy from the judge and the victims' families.
"I am requesting a sentence for a juvenile offense. He meets the requirements due to his age. This offense meets the criteria," she emphasized.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 26.
Santiesteban was 15 years old when he caused the traffic accident that claimed the lives of 39-year-old Yarina García Hernández, his 71-year-old aunt Gloria Esther Hernández, and his mother, 65-year-old Liliana Hernández Molina.
According to the police, the teenager took his parents' car without permission to go for a ride with friends when he collided with the victims' car in the 400 block of Southeast 5th Street.
The young man was driving almost 55 mph over the speed limit.
Yarina and her aunt Gloria were declared dead at the scene. Yarina's mother, Liliana Hernández Molina, died from her injuries in September.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Traffic Accident in Hialeah
Who is Maykoll Santiesteban and what charges does he face?
Maykoll Santiesteban is a teenager from Hialeah who pleaded guilty to three counts of vehicular homicide and driving without a license, following an accident that resulted in the deaths of three Cuban women. The accident occurred when Santiesteban, then 15 years old, took his parents' car without permission and collided with another vehicle while driving at high speed.
What is the possible sentence that Maykoll Santiesteban is facing?
Being tried as an adult, Maykoll Santiesteban could face a sentence of between 28 and 65 years in prison. His defense focuses on requesting leniency and a juvenile offense sentence, arguing his age as a mitigating factor.
How did the accident that caused the death of the three Cuban women happen?
The accident occurred when Maykoll Santiesteban was driving over 80 miles per hour and crashed into the driver's side of the victims' car. The three women, who had stopped at a stop sign, were struck when they resumed driving. Yarina García Hernández and her aunt Gloria Esther Hernández died on the spot, while Liliana Hernández Molina passed away months later due to her injuries.
What has the victims' family expressed about the accident?
The victims' families have expressed their deep sorrow and frustration, stating that the women died due to the young man's irresponsibility. They have also expressed their desire for justice to be served for the three deceased women and their relatives living in Cuba.
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