Steven McKuhen, 31, and Billy Yates, 25, were sentenced to six years in prison for a road race on 441 north of Okeechobee that killed Edward McGlammory of Okeechobee.
Both large trucks were recorded at 96 miles per hour just seconds before the impact between McKuhens and McGlammory’s vehicles at NW 30th Terrace on November 24, 2020.
McGlammory was broadsided by McKuhen’s pickup and both vehicles were totaled.
Yates truck was then struck by McKuhen’s vehicle. Yates had two passengers, ages 10 and 17.
All these occupants had minor injury.
An eye witness told the Florida Highway Patrol that the trucks appeared to be racing.
Both defendants entered no contest pleas to charges of participating in an unlawful race and vehicular homicide.
They both scored 176 months in prison. The victim’s son asked for a maximum sentence stating his family received a life sentence of grief.
Prosecutor Ashley Albright said he thought it was a fair sentence.
“I’m actually very happy with this sentence. I think the judge did an excellent job of balancing all the issues in this case. The loss for the victims family and the families of both defendants.”
Both defendants had tremendous support in the courtroom that vouched for their character as hard- working family men that have young children to raise.
Circuit Court Judge Leatha Mullins said both drivers had no prior criminal record. She noted there were several factors in their favor.
“This case was about speeding, fast trucks, full throttle, 96 miles per hour in a 45 mile per hour zone through a business district with schools, businesses, sidewalks, it is about impulsiveness and impulsive actions.”
Yates defense attorney Richard Kibbey said young people make stupid mistakes and should get a break.
“This was an accident. It was a momentary action he deeply regrets.”
McKuhen’s attorney Rainer Richter said his client could give presentations to high school kids about the dangers of driving and that a prison sentence would provide no benefit to anyone in this case.
Okeechobee Clerk of the Court Jerry Bryant will ask the state to increase funding for the courts.
He noted court fees and court charges have not increased for 18 years.
He told county commissioners that he can’t survive on 2008 revenues.
“Consider this in terms of professions in the world today. You couldn’t expect a doctor, lawyer or tradesman to do work for you today but only charge you what it cost in 2008. A business could not be sustained.”
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said they have complied with all new state laws including one that limit the ability to stop a boat on the water for safety checks and searches.
All wildlife officers have gotten training.
Bill Holcomb said the law prohibits officers from boarding boats without probable cause that a violation of safety laws has occurred.
“It creates an appropriate balance to ensure compliance with boating laws and reducing unnecessary disruptions for law abiding boaters making enforcement more practical and effective.”
The FWC said they removed nearly 500 derelict vessels in 2024. There are 365 investigations active today with 210 pending removals. There are 600 boats added to the data base each year.
A rancher near Indian Prairie stopped a burglary on his ranch, Glades County deputies said.
Nicholas Fusco, 19, of Warren, Ohio was hog tied by the rancher when he returned home and found him on his property.
Fusco had an active warrant for his arrest in Ohio as well.
The arrest report said Fusco had taken cash and a credit card out of a parked truck on the ranch. They said evidence showed it appeared Fusco attempted to steal the pickup and two chain saws.
An Okeechobee man is facing charges of sexual battery on Oct. 23 after committing a burglary with an assault.
Cecil Vandiver, 50, was held on $120,500 bond. The arrest report from Okeechobee County Sheriff Deputies said the female claimed Vandiver entered her residence without permission, physically assaulted her and engaged in non-consensual sexual intercourse on Oct. 22.