State Attorney’s Office Announces Sentencing in Vehicular Homicide Case

Key West, FL – A tragic crash on April 29, 2021, claimed the life of 13-year-old Jaselle Isabella Diaz and left another individual seriously injured. On Tuesday, Aaliyah Maria Alberto was sentenced in Monroe County Circuit Court, bringing some measure of justice to the victims and their families. Ms. Alberto, who pleaded no contest to multiple charges, was adjudicated guilty of Vehicular Homicide and Reckless Driving with Serious Bodily Injury, among other offenses.

Judge Mark Wilson, who presided over the case, sentenced Ms. Alberto to 10 years in state prison for Vehicular Homicide, followed by 3 years of drug offender probation, during which her driver’s license will be revoked for an additional 3 years. For the charges of Reckless Driving with Serious Bodily Injury, Driving with a Suspended License, and Making a False Report to Law Enforcement, Ms. Alberto received an additional 5-year prison sentence to run concurrently. She was also fined and ordered to pay court costs. As part of her drug offender probation, Ms. Alberto will be required to undergo drug testing twice weekly, attend three 12-step meetings per week, and abstain from alcohol and non-prescribed medication.

Assistant State Attorney David Alvarez served as the lead prosecutor in the case. State Attorney Dennis Ward praised ASA Alvarez’s dedication, saying, “ASA Alvarez’s tireless work on this case and his pursuit of justice have been exemplary. This outcome is a direct result of his commitment, as well as the outstanding work of Florida Highway Patrol Corporal Tsoi and Corporal Stine, whose meticulous investigation ensured the facts were presented clearly.”

The investigation conducted by the Florida Highway Patrol revealed that Ms. Alberto was driving a white 2006 Cadillac CTS at nearly double the posted speed limit on Old State Road 4A when she lost control and collided with a tree. Jaselle Diaz was airlifted to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she tragically succumbed to her injuries. Investigators also determined that Ms. Alberto had never obtained a driver’s license, had failed the written examination multiple times, and had previously been cited for Driving with a Suspended License.

Chief Assistant State Attorney Joseph Mansfield stated, “This case underscores the importance of thorough investigative work and the critical collaboration between law enforcement and prosecutors. We commend the Florida Highway Patrol for their professionalism and their role in securing justice for the Diaz family and all those impacted by this devastating event.”

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