ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Thursday that will increase penalties for repeat offenders convicted of DUI and BUI manslaughter, and vehicular and vessel homicide.
HB 687, dubbed “Trenton’s Law,” was named after 18-year-old Creekside High grad Trenton Stewart, who was struck and killed by a reckless and impaired driver who was driving 113 mph in a 45 mph zone on the wrong lane in May 2023.
Ariel Monteagudo, the driver who killed Trenton, had killed someone before in a crash. He previously served 10 years for a vehicular homicide charge in Broward County.
That’s why State Representative Kim Kendall filed “Trenton’s Law.”
Current law only allows for a vehicular homicide (VH) or a DUI manslaughter (DUIM), no matter how many times they kill someone this way, to only be punishable as a second-degree felony, which carries a maximum of 15 years.
Mandi Stewart, Trenton’s mother, said she began her efforts to create change one week after her son was killed.
“It’s very bittersweet to us as we just wish that we had Trenton, that’s really all we really wish to have. But, we are forever grateful that we are able to share his story and have been able to pass the law that will help others that unfortunately, will follow,” she said.
“Trenton’s Law” will allow for a second or subsequent VH/DUIM to be considered a first-degree felony with a maximum sentence of 30 years.
The law will take effect on Oct. 1.