Jurors hear closing arguments in Sandor Guillen trial

Man accused in 2012 hit-and-run crash that killed Kaely Camacho

MIAMI – The family of Kaely Camacho sat quietly in the courtroom Monday during closing arguments in the trial of a man accused in the 2012 hit-and-run crash that killed the 13-year-old girl.

Prosecutors claim Sandor Guillen was intoxicated and speeding through a bus lane when he ran a red light and slammed into the van that Kaely Camacho was riding in with her family.

"There is no doubt that the loss of a child hurts," prosecutor Laura Adams told jurors during her closing arguments.

Adams disputed Guillen's defense that Camacho's father ran the red light.

"Do you think a man selfish enough to be barreling down a roadway that he doesn't belong on, speeding to beat the van in somebody's else car, could care about a simple red light?" Adams posed to the jury. "That's for the other people, not for Sandor Guillen."

Jurors also heard from Guillen's attorney, who claimed the lead detective tampered with evidence, including the blood sample Guillen gave police.

"Detective Perez destroyed evidence, but not just any evidence," attorney Bruce Lehr said. "He destroyed the evidence that was the foundation of this very case."

Adams called the defense's claims weak and insulting.

"Go after the cops, present a witness whose credibility is basically zilch and blame the victim's dad. That's what you were presented with by the defense," Adams said.

Jurors began deliberating Monday afternoon.

Guillen has pleaded not guilty to DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide charges. He faces more than 30 years in prison if convicted.


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.