On December 31, 2023, Illodia Phadael, a 91-year-old in Palm Beach County, lost her life after being struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver. PBSO – Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office issued a BOLO for a silver 2005 Jeep Liberty with distinctive damage to its passenger side. On January 8, 2024, the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Detectives located the same vehicle, still being driven by the suspect, Oscar Cruz Fuenleal, 48.
Fuenleal was arrested by DeSoto County Detective Albritton for Driving without a Valid License and Driving a vehicle without proper registration. The vehicle was seized for a search warrant.
Upon notification of this arrest, Palm Beach Detectives swiftly responded to DeSoto County to continue their investigation. Following evidence collection and interviews, Fuenleal was charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident involving Death. He currently awaits extradition to Palm Beach County. It’s crucial to emphasize that leaving the scene, as per § 316.027(2)(c), is a first-degree felony in Florida, carrying a maximum penalty of thirty (30) years in state prison.
Despite being out of town, justice knows no boundaries! This incident serves as a reminder that in DeSoto County, we are committed to holding individuals accountable, no matter where they come from.
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