Daniel Aquino Longoria, 24, was found guilty as charged today for Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death, Second Degree Arson of a Structure, Tampering with or Fabricating Physical Evidence (2 counts), Driving with License Suspended or Revoked, and False Report of a Crime. He faces up to 55 years in prison when he is sentenced on September 14th.
Assistant State Attorney Michael Colombo and Assistant State Attorney Mara Marzano of our Homicide Unit prosecuted the case during a four day trial.
Longoria’s conviction stems from a May 2015 incident when the defendant drove his car into a person who was riding their bicycle home from work. Following the crash, Longoria dragged the victim’s body and bicycle down into a ditch and placed them behind a large pile of dried palm fronds which helped to hide them from view of the street. He then left the scene. The victim was found dead after being reported missing by his family who had been with him minutes before he was killed.
Longoria called law enforcement to report his vehicle as stolen but it was soon recovered, found parked on a dirt road and had been intentionally set on fire. Evidence was found on and in the car as well as at Longoria’s house that tied to him to the crime.
“Though the defendant has yet to take responsibility for this crime, I am glad the jury listened to all of the evidence in this case,” said Assistant State Attorney Michael Colombo.
Samantha Syoen
Communications Director
State Attorney’s Office
239-533-1125
ssyoen@sao20.org