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RIVERVIEW, Fla. (WFLA) — The family of 19-year-old Jeremiah Stone said they are concerned after a man accused of killing him in a DUI crash presented a plea deal to attorneys.
The crashed happened in January 2024 at the intersection of U.S. 301 and Bloomingdale Avenue in Riverview.
A memorial sits at the intersection. A cross made out of plumbing pipes symbolizes how Jeremiah Stone was taking on the family business and making his father, Josh Stone, proud.
“He was just getting started in life,” Josh Stone said. “A lot of his friends called him a gentle giant. His heart was bigger than all of it.”
The night of the crash, Jeremiah Stone was taking his new motorcycle for a ride when the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) said 35-year-old Caleb Green ran a red light. He hit Jeremiah Stone and pushed him into the car next to him. The FHP said three people were hurt, and Jeremiah Stone died at the scene.
Green was arrested for DUI manslaughter, according to troopers.
“He was out enjoying what he had worked hard to earn,” Josh Stone said. “And his life was taken just like that.”
The family said they got a call last week saying Green’s attorneys had approached the state with a plea deal. Before this, court records show how Green hasn’t been present for court hearings.
“It’s totally ridiculous in my mind. I can’t even believe we have a justice system that allows this to happen,” Josh Stone said. “They’re requesting seven years, which, you know, my son was 19 years old. He stole, on the light side, 50 years from my son. Seven years is a joke.”
Attorney Bryant Camareno is not affiliated with this case. He said 15 years for DUI manslaughter is the norm, but anything less than 10 years, he said, is unusual.
“Every defendant has the right to make an offer and convey an offer, so this is not unusual,” Camareno said. “I understand it may be a low offer, but it’s not necessarily a done deal.”
Camareno said the committee will consider the defendant’s age, mental health, and if there are any obstacles to getting a conviction.
“Are we missing any evidence, are there any witnesses missing, are there any holes in the state’s case? If so, let us know now and then they can ascertain whether or not it’s a reasonable offer,” Camareno said.
The Stone’s feel there should not have been an offer to begin with, and they want Green to get the maximum and then some.
“I don’t really think he should get any type of lenient deal. He needs to serve time for the crime he committed,” Josh Stone said. “Do right by Jeremiah and make sure that Caleb Green gets the punishment that is fitting to what he did.”
The committee is set to meet Wednesday, and the next court hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Thursday.