Back in September 2023, Ri'Shard Laroy Ferguson crashed against a vehicle in Poinciana, Florida, after failing to stop at a stop sign. This resulted in the deaths of a 50-year-old grandmother and her three grandchildren, ages 1, 9, and 11. The then-15-year-old has now been arrested and charged with vehicular homicide. His father, Richard Ferguson was also arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter.
Videos by Wide Open Country
The crash took place back on Sunday, September 3, 2023, at the intersection of Laurel Avenue and San Miguel Road, according to FOX 35. Reportedly, Ri'Shard crashed into the side of the 2022 Honda HR-V where the fatal victims were at the time. This, regrettably, resulted in the deaths of Trinidad Hernandez, Mylie Cruz, Marvin Cruz, and Anayari Hernandez.
Ri'Shard and three other occupants, also 15, were transported to a local hospital to receive treatment. Reportedly, the teenager was driving without a license or learner's permit and his father, Ferguson, allegedly allowed him to drive by moving his pickup truck out of the driveway.
Over a year later, police arrested Richard Ferguson and charged him with four counts of vehicular manslaughter after allegedly allowing his son to drive without a license or permit. Authorities issued an arrest warrant for Ri'Shard, with him turning himself in the very next day. He was charged with four counts of vehicular homicide, causing serious bodily injury, and driving without a license.
A Tragedy
Through his defense attorney, Andrew Darling, Ri'Shard Laroy Ferguson issued a statement, apologizing for his actions.
"I want to apologize for my part in this tragedy," the statement reads. "My thoughts and prayers have been with the family and their loved ones since this happened, and my thoughts and prayers continue to be with the family."
Darling himself addressed the incident, calling it a tragedy. "Our hearts go out to the family that lost their children and their children's grandmother," Darling said. "It is my understanding that the Florida Highway Patrol did a thorough investigation that we will review it soon. We will likely have more to share once we have completed the discovery process."
Sabrina Hernandez, daughter and mother of the dead woman and children, talked with FOX 35 back in 2023. She said that, as a result of the tragedy, she is "dying inside."
"I don't get to see my children anymore, I don't get to see my mother anymore," Hernandez told the outlet. "This is the outcome. I lost my entire family, right here in this spot. I will never wake up and see my children again."
