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Patrol Taking Closer Look At Sunday Fatal Crash

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By JOSH POLTILOVE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 12, 2008

The Florida Highway Patrol initially reported Juan P. Sanchez Jr. died after a crash Sunday morning when another driver violated the right-of-way.

Evidence at the time and initial statements led to that conclusion. Investigators, however, have developed conflicting information, troopers said today, noting some physical evidence and witness statements contradict initial details.

"Due to this conflicting information, investigators will continue in their search for the truth regarding the circumstances surrounding this case until all leads have been exhausted," a Florida Highway Patrol news release states. "No charges have been filed and final conclusions concerning this case remain premature. Investigators remain in the preliminary stages of this investigation and will continue to be open to all additional information and evidence that remains to be uncovered. All charges and conclusions will remain pending, until the release of the final report."

The 12:30 a.m. Sunday collision on U.S. 92 at Rogers Road killed the 18-year-old, injured his two passengers and the driver of the other car.

When the crash occurred, Sanchez was driving home from the home of a friend where the pay-per-view Oscar De La Hoya fight was shown.

Sylvia Sanchez wept as she recalled her son telling her he was driving to the friend's place to watch the televised bout. In addition to watching boxing, he enjoyed football, basketball and baseball.

Juan had attended Durant High School but transferred to Plant City's Simmons Career Center, graduating in June. He wanted to be a barber, a trade practiced by several relatives, his mother said.

Pleased with their son's newfound direction, his parents bought him his first car, a 2006 Ford Mustang, upon his completion of barber school.

Initially, troopers said the Mustang was struck by a Toyota Celica that failed to heed a stop sign. Driver Eric Layton of Plant City was critically injured.

"There's other possibilities on how the crash occurred," Florida Highway Patrol spokesman Sgt. Steve Gaskins said.

One passenger in the Mustang, Ariel E. Laboy, 17, was critically injured, and the other, Samantha Wood, 18, was seriously injured. Both are from Plant City.

A full investigation report might take months to complete, which is typical of such crashes, Gaskins said.

The nephew of Sanchez's father, Michael James Longoria, 36, of Plant City, was one of two men shot last week. Authorities say Fransisco Rangel shot Longoria, who died of his wounds.

Information from Tribune archives was used in this report. Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at (813) 259-7691.

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