Latest news with #PeaceWalker
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Yahoo
Bradenton woman sentenced to jail, probation for hit-and-run that killed ‘Peace Walker'
The Brief Teresa Zeppi has been sentenced to 364 days in jail and five years probation for a deadly hit-and-run in Manatee County. Zeppi hit Joseph Dralus, Sr., 82, also known as the "Peace Walker," in April 2020. He died less than a month later. In March, a jury convicted Zeppi of leaving the scene of a crash with death. BRADENTON, Fla. - The Manatee County woman convicted in a hit-and-run crash that killed a Bradenton man known by neighbors as the "Peace Walker" will not go to prison, instead receiving a 364-day jail sentence and five years probation. The backstory Teresa Zeppi was behind the wheel of her Lincoln Navigator when she hit Joseph Dralus, Sr., 82, in April 2020. Dralus, who became known as the "Peace Walker" for flashing the peace sign to passersby during walks through his neighborhood, died less than a month later. It took two years for detectives to arrest Zeppi. Investigators said she didn't immediately stop following the crash, eventually pulling over about 500 feet down the road. Prosecutors showed jurors home security video they said shows Zeppi checking her vehicle for damage, then leaving the scene. Dig deeper Both of Dralus' sons testified at trial, explaining their part in the investigation to jurors. Christopher Dralus said he provided investigators with his father's toothbrush and hairbrush for DNA comparisons. "Initially I was going to provide them his ashes, but I was told... they weren't able to get DNA from ashes, so they asked if I could come up with a hairbrush, toothbrush, anything with his DNA on it, which I knew I could come up with a toothbrush and a hairbrush," Christopher Dralus said on the stand. "He was a very hard worker, provided for his family, loved his family very much and loved being outdoors, as my brother had stated earlier and loved to do his walks on a daily basis." Prosecutors also said Zeppi's vehicle had front-end damage and DNA taken from the SUV matched the victim's. "The swabs from the hood slash fender, the swabs from the headlight and the swabs from the passenger side bumper all had DNA that I was able to make interpretations and comparisons to," said Kaleigh Brownell, a DNA analyst for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. In early March, Zeppi was found guilty of leaving the scene of a crash with death. RELATED: Bradenton woman found guilty in deadly 'Peace Walker' hit-and-run crash What's next Zeppi will serve her 364-day jail sentence with credit for time served, followed by five years probation. In addition, Zeppi must serve 120 hours of community service at a trauma center or hospital that treats victims of accidents, and her driver's license will be suspended for five years. What they're saying The Dralus family released a statement after Thursday's sentencing hearing, saying: "We generally appreciate the state's effort and the Manatee County court. The Dralus family wants to thank the neighbors, family and friends [who supported us] throughout the process." Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source Information for this story came from a court hearing on April 10, 2025, with additional details from previous FOX 13 News reports. 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
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Yahoo
St. Pete man accused of killing tenant who lived on his property: Deputies
The Brief A St. Petersburg man was arrested after deputies said he shot and killed a tenant who lived on his property in a detached shed. The victim was found with multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene on Dec. 15, 2024. Detectives found evidence that linked the suspect to the murder. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - A St. Petersburg man was arrested on Thursday after deputies said he shot and killed a tenant who lived on his property. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said James Butler, 53, is now facing a first-degree murder charge in the death of Aaron Reed, 32, who was shot and killed nearly three months ago. CRIME: Bradenton woman found guilty in deadly 'Peace Walker' hit-and-run crash The backstory Deputies said Butler called 911 just after 8:30 p.m. on December 15, 2024, reporting that he had found the man dead, and it was his tenant who lived in a detached shed on the property. Pinellas County deputies arrived at the home, and found Reed with multiple gunshot wounds. Reed was pronounced dead at the scene, according to PCSO. At the time, Butler told detectives that "he had no idea who would want to harm Reed." The sheriff's office also said the suspect told them that he had just arrived home after being released from jail, and found Reed dead on the living room floor. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube What we know However, detectives said they found evidence that linked Butler to Reed's murder. After arresting him on Thursday, Butler was taken to the Pinellas County Jail. What we don't know PCSO has not released any other details on the case or what evidence led to Butler's connection to the murder. They did say the investigation continues. The Source The information in this story was released by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. 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
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Yahoo
Both sides present case in trial against woman accused of killing Bradenton ‘Peace Walker' in crash
The Brief Closing statements are scheduled for Thursday in the trial against a woman accused in a hit-and-run crash that killed a Bradenton man known as the "Peace Walker." Manatee County prosecutors and the suspect's defense attorneys finished calling witnesses on Wednesday. The jury is expected to begin deliberating after closing statements are finished. BRADENTON, Fla. - Closing statements are scheduled to take place on Thursday in the trial of a woman accused in a hit-and-run that killed a Bradenton man known by neighbors as the "Peace Walker." Manatee County prosecutors and defense attorneys for Teresa Zeppi finished calling witnesses on Wednesday, as both sides made it clear what story they hope the jury believes. RELATED: Testimony begins in trial of woman accused of killing Bradenton man known as "Peace Walker" The backstory Florida Highway Patrol investigators have said Zeppi was behind the wheel of her Lincoln Navigator when she hit Joseph Dralus, Sr., 82, in April 2020. Dralus died less than a month later. It took two years for FHP to arrest Zeppi. Investigators said she didn't immediately stop following the crash, eventually pulling over about 500 feet down the road. Prosecutors showed jurors home security video the State said shows Zeppi checking her vehicle for damage, before leaving the scene. Dig deeper Both of Dralus' sons testified during the trial, explaining their part in the investigation. Christopher Dralus said he provided investigators with his father's toothbrush and hairbrush for DNA comparisons. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube "Initially I was going to provide them his ashes, but I was weren't able to get DNA from ashes, so they asked if I could come up with a hairbrush, toothbrush, anything with his DNA on it, which I knew I could come up with a toothbrush and a hairbrush," Christopher Dralus said Wednesday. "He was a very hard worker, provided for his family, loved his family very much and loved being outdoors, as my brother had stated earlier and loved to do his walks on a daily basis." A day earlier, Joseph Dralus, Jr., testified he searched the Northwest Bradenton community for the vehicle that hit his father, eventually finding Zeppi's parked in her driveway. PREVIOUS: Jury selected in trial against woman accused of killing beloved Bradenton 'peace walker' in hit-and-run Prosecutors have said Zeppi's vehicle had front-end damage and DNA taken from the SUV matched the victim's. "The swabs from the hood slash fender, the swabs from the headlight and the swabs from the passenger side bumper all had DNA that I was able to make interpretations and comparisons to," said Kaleigh Brownell, a DNA analyst for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The other side Defense attorneys, however, had their own crash scene reconstruction expert take the stand, who said he believes FHP identified the wrong vehicle. MORE: Woman accused of hitting, killing beloved Bradenton 'Peace walker' to stand trial "My opinion in this particular case is this Lincoln Navigator was not the vehicle that struck Mr. Dralus," said Sean O'Leary, the defense's crash scene expert, who was asked how he came to that conclusion. "Primarily the lack of damage to the vehicle, especially in the areas that I would expect to see them, knowing the type of injuries that Mr. Dralus sustained." Zeppi nearly avoided trial, initially agreeing to a plea deal. Prosecutors withdrew that offer late last month. What's next Following closing statements, the jury is expected to begin deliberations. The Source The information in this story was gathered during the trial of Teresa Zeppi as well as previous FOX 13 News reports. 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
