News Summary
Daniel Hernandez, a former Hillsborough County Detention Deputy, has been convicted of vehicular homicide and reckless driving after causing a fatal car crash that killed Krista Richter. The accident occurred on North Dale Mabry Highway, where Hernandez was driving at an excessive speed of 109 mph. The jury’s verdict follows a trial examining the circumstances of the tragic incident. Hernandez is scheduled for sentencing, facing up to 15 years in prison.
Tampa, Florida – Daniel Hernandez, a former Hillsborough County Detention Deputy, has been found guilty of both vehicular homicide and reckless driving following a fatal car collision that resulted in the death of Krista Richter. The jury’s verdict was delivered after a trial that examined the circumstances of an incident that took place on August 20, 2021. Hernandez, who was off duty at the time, was driving his personal Ford Mustang when the accident occurred.
The collision happened around 8 p.m. on North Dale Mabry Highway, where Hernandez’s Mustang struck the passenger side of a white Nissan compact car driven by Krista Richter. At the moment of the crash, Richter was making a turn onto Sligh Avenue from the opposite direction. Tragically, Krista Richter was killed in the accident, and her husband, Peter Richter, sustained serious injuries.
A subsequent investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol determined that Hernandez was at fault for the accident due to excessive speed. He was charged with vehicular homicide and reckless driving in April 2022 following the investigation. After being charged, Hernandez resigned from his position at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and turned himself in to authorities.
During the trial, a Florida Highway Patrol trooper testified that the accident could have been avoided had Hernandez adhered to the posted speed limit on Dale Mabry Highway. Analysis from the electronic data recorder in Hernandez’s Ford Mustang indicated that he was traveling at a shocking 109 miles per hour just before the moment of impact. This speed far exceeded the legal limits of the road and contributed significantly to the tragic outcome of the incident.
Judge Elizabeth Rice has scheduled Hernandez’s sentencing for November 21 at 10 a.m. He now faces a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years for the charges against him.
Background Information
The circumstances surrounding this case highlight serious concerns regarding reckless driving and its potential consequences. Vehicular homicide is a severe charge that reflects the loss of life stemming from negligent behavior behind the wheel. Investigations into such collisions often reveal critical data regarding speed, driver conduct, and adherence to traffic laws, all of which were examined in this particular trial.
The incident emphasizes the imperative for all drivers to maintain safe speeds, especially in areas with high traffic or pedestrian movement. This trial serves as a reminder of the devastating effects that reckless driving can have on families and communities.
Krista Richter’s death is a tragic example of how quickly lives can be altered due to irresponsible driving choices. The aftermath of such incidents calls for increased awareness of safe driving practices and the enforceability of laws designed to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
As the legal proceedings move towards sentencing, the case of Daniel Hernandez will likely continue to resonate in discussions about traffic safety and driver responsibility in Tampa and beyond.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News: Former Detention Deputy Found Guilty
- Google Search: vehicular homicide
- WFLA: Former Hillsborough Detention Deputy Found Guilty
- Wikipedia: Reckless driving
- Fox 13 News: Former Florida Deputy Caught in Colombia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vehicular Homicide
- Fox 13 News: Driver Sentenced for Deadly DUI Crash
- Google News: reckless driving
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
