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State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced on 01/24/25 that Luke Terrence Politi was convicted after entering an open plea to the Court for the charges of Vehicular Homicide; Reckless Driving – Causing Serious Bodily Injury; and Reckless Driving – Causing Damage to Persons or Property.  The crimes were committed on 12/04/2020 and investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol. A jury trial was set to begin on November 11, 2024. Politi entered a plea to the charges just prior to jury selection. The sentencing hearing was held at the Manatee County Courthouse on January 22, 2025.

The crimes carry a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in the Department of Corrections and one year in the Manatee County Jail.

Politi was 17 years old at the time of the offense.

Politi was speeding down University Parkway with the three victim passengers in his Tesla vehicle when Politi lost control of the vehicle, drove into the grass, hit a culvert, went airborne several feet into the air and struck a light pole with significant force and speed causing the pole to snap in half. The car then rolled several times on the ground and came to its final resting place on the edge of a retention pond upside down on its roof. The backseat passengers, ages 15 and 16, were ejected from the vehicle and both received devastating injuries. The front seat passenger, 16 years of age, was killed as a result of this crash. Video surveillance footage from a nearby business captured the crash. Politi’s laboratory report showed there was alcohol in his system. The Tesla’s Event Data Recorder showed Politi’s speed to reach 126 miles per hour moments before the crash.

On the morning of jury trial in front of the Honorable Judge Whyte, Politi entered an open plea to the Court. During the sentencing hearing, the Court heard testimony from Politi, his family and friends, and a psychologist. The Court also heard testimony from the prosecution’s witnesses to include family and friends of the three victims. After consideration of all evidence and testimony, Judge Whyte rejected defense counsel’s request for a Downward Departure from the Sentencing Guidelines.  Judge Whyte also rejected defense counsel’s request for a Youthful Offender sentence and sentenced Politi to 155.175 months in the Department of Corrections followed by 24 months of Probation.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney, Annie Ebert commented, “After four years I am delighted that the two surviving victims, all three victims’ families and friends and their community were finally able to receive justice. It was heartwarming to see many family members and friends of all three victims come together and provide the Court with testimony and support each other during this difficult time. This outcome would not have been possible without law enforcement’s continued dedication and hard work. The two surviving victims and the deceased victim’s family now have closure to this horrific tragedy. “

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorney Annie Ebert in the Manatee County office at 941-747-3077.