HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – A man previously arrested for a fatal hit-and-run in Keysville is facing a more severe legal outcome today as investigators uncover more about the April 11 collision.
On Wednesday, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced that Edwin Rapalo-Lorenzo, 27, is now charged with Vehicular Homicide (Leave the Scene) and Reckless Driving With Serious Bodily Injury.
The incident began Saturday night around 7:45 p.m. on Old Hopewell Road near Henry George Road. Deputies arrived to find a motorcycle that had been hit head-on by a Ford Explorer that crossed into the wrong lane.
The impact ejected both riders. Giovany Negron Talavera, 37, died at the scene, while an adult female passenger was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition.
The driver of the Explorer fled the scene on foot before deputies could arrive. A large-scale search involving K9 units and aviation teams eventually tracked down Rapalo-Lorenzo, who was also taken to the hospital for his own injuries.
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At the time of his arrest, he was initially charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death and serious injury, as well as having no valid driver’s license.
“This crash took a life and left another person fighting for theirs, and the driver chose to run instead of take responsibility,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Our hearts are with the victims and their family as they face this loss, and we will ensure those responsible are held accountable.”
In addition to the new charges filed this week, authorities confirmed that an immigration detainer will be placed on Rapalo-Lorenzo. The Sheriff’s Office stated the investigation remains active as detectives continue to process additional evidence.
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