Davie man who killed 6-year-old boy in 2014 drunken crash gets 14 years in prison

Jordan Fuss seeks reduced sentence after pleading guilty to DUI manslaughter

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A man who was intoxicated when he caused a 2014 crash that killed a 6-year-old boy was sentenced Thursday to 14 years in prison.

Jordan Fuss, 22, of Davie, was shaking uncontrollably as he entered the courtroom with his family.

Prosecutors sought the maximum sentence of 15 years in prison for killing Santiago Giraldo.

Fuss' attorney argued for a reduced sentence, claiming that his client is so remorseful that he's contemplated suicide.

The Giraldo family cried in court while the defense argued for a lighter sentence.

Fuss apologized to the family during his testimony.

"I'm so sorry," he said. "I wish it was me."

Fuss' attorney said he knew that his client was going to prison, but he asked the judge to show mercy.

"I would give my life if it meant bringing him back," Fuss said.

However, prosecutors said that Fuss admitted to using alcohol and smoking marijuana since the crash.

Fuss, who was 19 at the time of the crash, was traveling more than 90 mph on Stirling Road when he crashed his 2004 Infiniti G35 into another vehicle at Davie Road just before midnight on Oct. 3, 2014.

Police said Fuss had a blood-alcohol level of 0.21 percent. The state legal limit is 0.08 percent.

Fuss said he was drinking Captain Morgan rum before the crash. It was his 21-year-old friend, who was a passenger in his car, who bought it for him.

Santiago's father took the stand and looked directly at Fuss when he said that he will never forgive him.

"You didn't just take my son's life," he said. "You took mine, too."

Fuss' mother, father, brother and girlfriend, whom he met online after the crash, also testified during the hearing.

Fuss had one last tearful message to loved ones while being fingerprinted. 

"I love you guys so much," he said.


About the Authors:

Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.