Illegal Immigrant Charged in Hit-and-Run Death of Father

An illegal immigrant has been charged with the death of 37-year-old Giovani Negron Talavera in a hit-and-run incident in Hillsborough County, Florida. The accident also left the mother of three in critical condition.

Edwin Rapallo-Lorenzo, a 27-year-old undocumented immigrant, was arrested and charged by the Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office with several offenses, including vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in death and serious bodily injury. He was also charged with driving without a valid license.

According to reports, the fatal incident occurred on April 11 when Rapallo-Lorenzo veered into another lane, colliding head-on with a motorcycle carrying two people.

Giovani Negron Talavera was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, Ana, who was working alongside him, was taken to a nearby hospital and remains in critical condition.

Friends and family have started a GoFundMe campaign to assist with Talavera’s funeral expenses and medical bills for Ana’s family. They remember Talavera as an “extraordinary father, son, brother, and friend.”

In the fundraising effort, they shared that he was a dedicated mechanic who worked hard to support his family, known for his kindness and strong work ethic. “His presence brought comfort, his smile brought light, and his love will remain in all of us forever,” the campaign notes.

As Ana continues to fight for her life in the hospital, she leaves behind three children, including a 15-year-old.

The GoFundMe emphasizes the devastating impact of this tragedy: “This tragedy not only took away a loving father but also left behind a mother fighting for her life and children holding on to hope.”

After the accident, Rapallo-Lorenzo fled the scene but was quickly located by law enforcement. Sheriff Chad Chronister remarked on the tragedy, stating, “This accident claimed a life and left behind another human being fighting for his life. The driver chose to flee and not take responsibility. Our hearts are with the victims and their families facing this loss, and we will work to ensure those responsible are held accountable.”

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has filed a motion to detain Rapallo-Lorenzo, aiming to turn him over to federal agents if he is released from local custody.