The siblings of Carlos Cruz Morales, killed in a fatal hit-and-run at Sun Bay, Vieques, are demanding justice after learning prosecutors may recommend probation for the tourist who confessed to the crime. Río Cruz said the family cannot understand why the Fiscalía would consider such an option, given the case's circumstances and delays before charges were filed. José Cruz, another brother, said the defense offered a plea deal during the preliminary hearing, which the family opposed throughout.
He said prosecutors were evasive in email responses and never disclosed they were weighing probation until last week, despite the guilty plea occurring on the day the trial was set to begin. The family also criticized authorities for allegedly failing to identify the accused's criminal history. The sister of the victim said she cannot understand offering probation to someone accused of such an act.
Relatives said witness testimony indicates the driver was allegedly intoxicated when he struck Cruz Morales, who fell onto the windshield, and that an eyewitness saw the incident. The family said the Vieques community remains outraged over how the case has been handled and reiterated its firm opposition to any probation recommendation.