'Make sure people are held accountable:' Trenton Stewart's parents react to Trenton's Law getting signed into law
Share this @internewscast.com

Trenton’s Law aims to increase the consequences for repeat offenses of vehicular homicide, following the tragic death of Stewart, who was struck by a driver with a prior prison record.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Two years following the incident that claimed Trenton Stewart’s life, a memorial stands at the crash site, and his legacy will now be enshrined in Florida legislation.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has enacted Trenton’s Law, named in honor of the Creekside High School graduate, who lost his life in a 2023 crash on Old St. Augustine Road.

Stewart was killed by a wrong-way driver who’d already served time for a different vehicular homicide.

Trenton’s Law doubles the maximum sentence for repeat offenders.

“You’d like to think that there’s not going to be a need for Trenton’s Law very often, but unfortunately, there will be a need,” said Mandi Stewart, Trenton’s mom. 

In May of 2023, Mandi and Robert Stewart found out their son, Trenton, was hit and killed by a wrong way driver going more than 100 miles per hour on Old St. Augustine Road.

 A few days later, they learned that driver, Ariel Monteagudo, had already spent 10 years behind bars for a vehicular homicide for a crash that killed 15-year-old Christina Ramos.

“We thought that is was truly an accident, even to the point of worrying about the person who was in the other car, and then to realize it was probably the worst it could be,” said Robert Stewart.

The Stewarts got in touch with Ramos’s Aunt, Margarita Oxenreider, who said she didn’t even know Monteagudo was out of prison.

“I couldn’t believe it and I don’t even know why he was out,” said Oxenreider. “They let him out and he’s going to do it all over again. It’s like he hasn’t learned from the first mistake.”

 The Stewarts were even more surprised to learn Florida laws didn’t have any increased penalties for repeat offenders of vehicular homicide.

“Losing him was the hardest part, but then learning you only have the opportunity to fight for up to 15 years, and that includes probation, was even more challenging for us,” said Mandi Stewart. 

Monteagudo was ultimately sentenced to 12 years, so Stewart’s parents went to work to change the law before the same thing happened to anyone else.

 They enlisted the help of State Representative Kim Kendall from St. Johns County to draft a bill.

“Everybody unanimously agreed,” said Kendall. “They all said, ‘This was just an area we missed.’ Have some positive results of a horrific situation, and this was just one of those things. We’re very thrilled to get that over the finish line.”

 Trenton’s Law will make repeat offenses of vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter 1st degree felonies, carrying up to 30 years behind bars.

“Hopefully, like we said, it’s never used,” said Robert Stewart. “If it is, he’s there, in name, to make sure people are held accountable.” 

The law takes effect in October.

It won’t impact Monteagudo’s time in prison since he was already sentenced before the law took effect, but his driver’s license is revoked for life.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Carlson and Greene Outline Five Pillars for America’s Renewal

Carlson and Greene Unveil Five Key Strategies for Revitalizing America

In their explosive discussion, journalist Tucker Carlson and Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor…
A timeline of US attacks off South America and what Congress has had to say

Exploring the Chronology of U.S. Military Actions off South America: Congressional Insights and Reactions

WASHINGTON (AP) — Over the past two months, President Donald Trump and…
Murder suspect arrested over 40 times before allegedly killing hotel guest

Shocking Pattern: Serial Offender with 40+ Arrests Charged in Hotel Guest Murder

In a startling case from North Carolina, a man with a lengthy…
42-year-old cold case closed after detectives crack into discovered confession

Detectives Solve 42-Year-Old Cold Case with Newly Uncovered Confession

A chilling chapter from 1983 has finally reached its conclusion in Nassau…
Fox News ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter: Rabbis' stern Mamdani warning

Rabbis Issue Strong Warning to Zohran Mamdani in Fox News’ ‘Antisemitism Exposed’ Newsletter

Fox News’ “Antisemitism Exposed” newsletter offers insights into the growing tide of…
Taylor Swift earns first Songwriters Hall of Fame nomination in debut year of eligibility

Taylor Swift Celebrates Her First Nomination for Songwriters Hall of Fame in First Year of Eligibility

In a groundbreaking move, pop sensation Taylor Swift might soon make history…
Son learns fate years after brutal family murders in wealthy coastal enclave

Son Discovers Verdict Years After Grisly Family Tragedy in Affluent Coastal Community

A 34-year-old man from California has been found guilty of brutally murdering…
Trucking company owned by illegal immigrant raked in money from taxpayers before fatal crash: records

Records Reveal Taxpayer-Funded Earnings of Immigrant-Owned Trucking Firm Prior to Fatal Accident

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: Records reveal that an undocumented immigrant in Indiana, recently…
Eight Americans arrested in Bahamas after authorities discover 'high-powered weapons' cache, ammunition

Shocking Discovery: Eight Americans Detained in Bahamas for Hidden Arsenal of High-Powered Weapons

In a significant operation on Tuesday, eight American citizens were detained in…
Illegal alien failed CDL test 10 times in 2 months before fatal Florida crash that killed 3

Tragic Florida Crash: Driver Fails CDL Test 10 Times Before Fatal Accident—A Deep Dive into the Devastating Consequences

An undocumented truck driver accused of causing a fatal accident in Florida…
Alphonso Joyner found guilty of murder in 71-year-old Woom Sing Tse's Chinatown, Chicago shooting death on 23rd Street

Alphonso Joyner Convicted in Fatal Shooting of 71-Year-Old Woom Sing Tse in Chinatown, Chicago

In a significant development from Chicago, a jury has convicted Alphonso Joyner…
Bernie-Endorsed Maine Senate Candidate's Campaign Implodes As Dems in Disarray Hits Fever Pitch

Maine Democrats Face Backlash Over Controversial Policies: A Step Too Far?

In a surprising twist from Maine, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner…