A tragic 2023 crash that claimed the lives of a 50-year-old grandmother and her three young grandchildren has resulted in a guilty verdict for the father who allowed his unlicensed teenage son to drive.
An Osceola County jury on Wednesday found Richard Seymour Ferguson, 68, guilty of four counts of manslaughter for his role in the fatal collision. The victims were Trinidad Hernandez and her grandchildren, aged 1, 9, and 11.
The crash occurred on September 3, 2023, around 7 p.m. at the intersection of San Miguel Street and Laurel Avenue in Poinciana, Florida. Investigators said Ri’shard Ferguson, Richard Ferguson’s then-15-year-old son, was driving a white 2012 Chevy Impala when he ran a stop sign and slammed into Hernandez’s 2022 Honda HR-V crossover.
Hernandez and her 11-year-old granddaughter were pronounced dead at the scene. Her 9-year-old grandson and 1-year-old granddaughter were transported to a medical center, where they later died from their injuries.
The Teen Driver’s Reckless Speed
Authorities estimated Ri’shard Ferguson was traveling between 76 and 83 mph in the moments leading up to the impact. A witness at the scene estimated the Impala struck the Honda while “traveling more than 100 mph.” Data recovered from the vehicle showed the younger Ferguson had the gas pedal pressed “at 100 percent” just prior to the collision and at 90% at the time of impact, with no evidence of braking.
Ri’shard Ferguson previously reached a plea deal with prosecutors, admitting guilt to multiple manslaughter charges. Under the agreement, he is required to remain in a juvenile detention facility until he turns 19, followed by two additional years on supervised release.
Father’s Culpability
The charges against Richard Ferguson centered on his complicity in allowing his unlicensed minor son to drive. According to court documents, he “knowingly assisted his son” in taking the car out that evening.
The affidavit detailed that Richard Ferguson moved another vehicle out of the way so his son could access the Impala, and then permitted his son to drive away with three other minor passengers, fully aware that Ri’shard Ferguson did not possess a driver’s license.
One of the passengers testified that the elder Ferguson even told the teens to remember to put their seatbelts on, but made no effort to prevent them from leaving in the car.
A sentencing hearing for Richard Ferguson has not yet been scheduled, as a pre-sentencing investigation report was ordered by the court.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
