Accused Fatal Hit & Run Driver Wants Bond Reduced
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
DANIA BEACH (CBSMiami) – The man accused of running down a pair of brothers, killing one, appeared in court Thursday, wanting his bond reduced so that he could get out of jail.
Zachary Benjamins, 22, was arrested late December for hitting brothers 14-year-old Kelvron Florence and Apollo Brown Jr., 8, killing the younger one and critically injuring Florence.
Benjamins appeared in court Thursday, trying to get his $350,000 reduced so he can be free while he awaits trial.
Benjamins's attorney said the bond is too excessive for a person with no property, on bartender wages.
CLICK HERE to watch Joan Murray's report
Prosecutors, however, say Benjamins, only having lived in Florida for a year, is a flight risk. He told police he was on probation in California and didn't want to go back to jail.
Whether or not Bejamins bond would be reduced has not been decided as of early Thursday afternoon.
Benjamins has been charged with failure to remain at an accident scene involving a death, failure to stop at an accident scene involving a serious injury and tampering with evidence.
Deputies also arrested Benjamins' girlfriend Anaee Barbeito for Insurance fraud, tampering with evidence and accessory after the fact.
READ: Arrests Made In Deadly Dania Beach Hit & Run
Outside of court, the family of the two children spoke about their tragic loss.
"There is no understanding how you hit two kids and keep going. I'm going to fight this" said Selena Brown, the mother of the children.
Brown, the boy's father, doesn't want Benjamins to be released.
"I don't want him to leave Broward County without going to jail," Apollo Brown said.
Kelvron Florence remains hospitalized.
"He is hanging on and we pray for the best," said Selena Brown.
RELATED CONTENT:
