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Large Show Of Support In Camacho Family Tragedy

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – There was a large show of support from 13-year-old Kaely Camacho's family and friends at the bond hearing of the man charged with causing her death.

Camacho was killed on Friday April 13th when Sandor Guillen, charged with DUI manslaughter, slammed his vehicle into her father's mini-van in Southwest Miami-Dade. Police said he was driving 100 mph on the South Dade busway.

After his arrest, a Miami-Dade judge initially held Guillen on a $1 million bond, the standard amount for his charges is $45,000.

Kaely's family and friends went to court Tuesday calling for justice and hoping the judge would not lower his $1 million bond, one of the highest ever set in state history for DUI manslaughter.

Kirk Camacho
Kirk Camacho, father of 13-year-old Kaely Camacho. (Source: CBS4)

"I appreciate the support," said Kirk Camacho, Kaely's father prior to the hearing. "Let's work together to stop this from happening again."

Dozens of people, including friends, family and complete strangers, went to court in a show of support after Kaely's sister Bree Ann posted a video on her Facebook page which asked for people to show up at the courthouse. She also started an online petition to support the higher bond amount.

"I don't think it's fair that my best friend died from his consequences," said friend Terry Urbina.

"I'm just here because I feel the need to show up and just stand with all other parents and other people," said parent Linda Grosz.

Kaely's heartbroken father was encouraged and touched by all the support.

"It's fantastic and I'd like to thank not just friends and family but all the strangers that have become friends as well," said Kirk.

All of these people showed up at 7:00 a.m. They gathered in front of the courthouse and outside the courtroom to send a message.

"I hope that everybody realizes that when you do something like this, that you're going to have to pay the price," said Jackie Perez, mother of Kaely's best friend.

"I just want to get across to people that they shouldn't drink and drive cause look what happened," said Urbina.

Kaely's four best friends wore shoes and shirts in her honor which remind them and others of their new motto, Kaely will be in their hearts "forever and always."

"We don't want to celebrate her death, we want to celebrate her life," said best friend Samantha Lorenzo.

In the end, Circuit Judge Leon Firtel lowered Guillen's bond to $205,000. If he can come up with the money, Guillen will also have to wear a GPS monitor and stay at home except to meet with his lawyer or work. Guillen was also ordered to surrender his U.S. and Nicaraguan passports.

After Tuesday's hearing, Camacho said while he didn't agree with the bond reduction he believes in the system.

"We just have to have faith in the system and God. You know justice will be served. All we can do is hope and pray for that," said Camacho.

Guillen's attorney Bruce Lehr and his father left court without commenting.

It appears they are making arrangements for Guillen to post bond and be released sometime Tuesday.

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