The father of a teen driver accused in a 2023 crash that killed three children and their grandmother has been found guilty of manslaughter. Prosecutors argued Richard Ferguson, 68, was responsible for allowing his teenage son to drive that night.His son, the then 15-year-old driver, ran a two-way stop at San Miguel Road and Laurel Avenue on Sept. 3, 2023. The teen, who did not have a permit, crashed into the family’s vehicle, killing all four people. His father was arrested and charged with four counts of vehicular manslaughter.The arrest affidavit said Ferguson allowed the teen and his friends to use the car without supervision.The victims’ mother, Sabrina Hernandez, cried as the verdict was read — “guilty” repeated four times in the courtroom. Ferguson stood silent before being handcuffed and taken into custody. “This has been so hard for our family,” Hernandez said after the verdict. “We’ve waited two years for justice — and today, we finally got it.”Ferguson faces a possible sentence of 37 years to life in prison. His attorney, Caleb Robinson, said they plan to review their options.“We’re obviously disappointed,” Robinson said. “Mr. Ferguson maintains he never gave his son permission to drive.”The victims’ family left the court holding one another, saying they hope this verdict brings them some peace after years of pain.“We believe this is the right decision,” Hernandez said. “We will never get our family members back.”Ferguson’s teenage son previously took a plea deal in the case and remains in juvenile confinement. Ferguson is being held at the Osceola County Jail and is expected to be sentenced within the next 60 days.
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. —
The father of a teen driver accused in a 2023 crash that killed three children and their grandmother has been found guilty of manslaughter.
Prosecutors argued Richard Ferguson, 68, was responsible for allowing his teenage son to drive that night.
His son, the then 15-year-old driver, ran a two-way stop at San Miguel Road and Laurel Avenue on Sept. 3, 2023. The teen, who did not have a permit, crashed into the family’s vehicle, killing all four people.
His father was arrested and charged with four counts of vehicular manslaughter.
The arrest affidavit said Ferguson allowed the teen and his friends to use the car without supervision.
The victims’ mother, Sabrina Hernandez, cried as the verdict was read — “guilty” repeated four times in the courtroom. Ferguson stood silent before being handcuffed and taken into custody.
“This has been so hard for our family,” Hernandez said after the verdict. “We’ve waited two years for justice — and today, we finally got it.”
Ferguson faces a possible sentence of 37 years to life in prison. His attorney, Caleb Robinson, said they plan to review their options.
“We’re obviously disappointed,” Robinson said. “Mr. Ferguson maintains he never gave his son permission to drive.”
The victims’ family left the court holding one another, saying they hope this verdict brings them some peace after years of pain.
“We believe this is the right decision,” Hernandez said. “We will never get our family members back.”
Ferguson’s teenage son previously took a plea deal in the case and remains in juvenile confinement. Ferguson is being held at the Osceola County Jail and is expected to be sentenced within the next 60 days.