29-05-2025
Tow truck driver in St. Pete crash that left mother, grandfather dead has checkered driving history
The Brief
On Tuesday, St. Pete police arrested tow truck driver, George Phillip Aponte, for vehicular homicide.
Mother, Shakesha Desence, and grandfather, Dilean Desence, were killed in the October crash.
Aponte has been cited for careless driving three times and speeding another three times.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The tow truck driver arrested in connection to a crash that took the lives of a mother and grandfather, critically injuring a 9-year-old, has a checkered driving history.
The St. Petersburg Police Department said they arrested 45-year-old George Phillip Aponte on Tuesday.
RELATED: Clearwater tow truck driver arrested months after crash that killed mother, grandfather
The backstory
On October 15th, 35-year-old Shakesha Desence, 72-year-old Dilean Desence, and 9-year-old Daylon Desence were leaving a dentist appointment when their SUV collided with Aponte's tow truck. The crash report states Aponte was traveling 60 miles per hour in a 35-mph zone and was on his phone.
Shakesha and Dilean died from the impact of the crash. The 9-year-old boy was hospitalized for four months.
Dig deeper
FOX 13 learned that in the past five years, Aponte was issued at least six traffic citations. Three were for careless driving and there were another three for speeding. One of those infractions took place in January, after the deadly crash.
Follow FOX 13 on YouTube
Criminal Defense Attorney Anthony Rickman, who is not affiliated with this case, said this driving record won't bode well in court.
"This defendant has a responsibility to drive responsibly, especially knowing that he potentially has these very serious criminal charges weighing on top of him," Rickman said.
What they're saying
In a statement given to FOX 13 on Wednesday, the family's attorney, Okoye Morgan, said in part:
"While nothing can undo the pain they've endured, they believe this is an important step toward justice. They are grateful to law enforcement and the state attorney's office for their efforts in ensuring justice is served. The family continues to grieve, but this development brings a measure of peace as they move forward."
READ: Bartow 'group home' where man was murdered was not licensed by state, being shut down
In February, the 9-year-old's uncle, Deon Desence, said with a broken hip, the boy has a long road to recovery and some of his wounds may never heal.
"My sister and my dad were my nephew's world," he said. "He's heartbroken. He misses his mother. He misses his papa. Sometimes he even says, 'Uncle Deon, I don't understand why God let me live and didn't let me go be with my mother and my papa."
FOX 13 reached out to Aponte's attorney for a comment on his arrest but did not receive a response.
The Source
The information in this story was gathered by FOX 13's Jennifer Kveglis.
WATCH FOX 13 NEWS:
STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA:
Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV
Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android
Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines
Download the SkyTower Radar app
Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
