Charges upgraded against driver after Ocoee girl, 10, dies

OCOEE, Fla. — Ocoee police said Friday they will not re-arrest a driver who struck two children who were riding their bikes home from school, even though the man's charges were just upgraded because one of the victims died.

Lastevie Howard was taken into custody last month, but he was only charged with leaving the scene of a crash with injuries and was able to quickly bond out.

Channel 9 learned Friday Howard is facing an additional charge of leaving the scene of a crash with death after one of the victims, Aubrey Clark, 10, later died from her injuries after her family took her off life support.

"Although these are more serious charges, the problem is there's no indication that this defendant is not going to appear for trial, and if that's so, you can't just arbitrarily raise the bond," said WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer.

The additional charge of vehicular homicide comes days after Aubrey was laid to rest. Howard is also facing another charge of leaving the scene of an accident with great bodily injury.

"All that could add up to more prison time," said Sheaffer.

The crash happened in Ocoee as Aubrey and a friend were riding their bikes at North Clark and Silver Star roads on their way home from Citrus Elementary School.

Witnesses said Howard’s car flew over the curb and struck the two as they were on the sidewalk. Police reports show he did not have alcohol in his system at the time of the crash.

Ocoee police said Howard then drove more than a half-mile before returning to the scene.

Previous Stories:

WFTV