Circuit Judge Terence Perkins on Monday denied Angelo Antolino’s request that his $75,000 bond be reduced by $45,000 in a vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter case resulting from the April 1, 2020 crash on U.S. 1 that killed that Indiana Kerns, 59, and left William Kerns in critical condition. The judge reduced it by $5,000.
William Kerns, speaking publicly about the crash for the first time, opposed the bond reduction. “If he was still in jail on April 1, 2020, then none of this would have happened to me,” Kerns said of Antolino, who at the time of the head on crash, was driving on a suspended license after having been released from prison months earlier. You know, I lost my wife. I am in pain all the time. I can’t work.” Kerns, 62, was at the wheel of a Honda Accord going south when Antolino crossed the median in a Chevrolet Trail Blazer and crashed into the Honda.
Kerns spent six weeks in the hospital. “I had a broken jaw, broken shoulder broken humerus,” he said. “Bunch of broken ribs. And the main injury that has me now disabilitated is my left leg, it was broken in numerous places. Had to have three operations on that. Got plates and 24 screws and it’s constant pain in my leg.”
Antolino, 31, of Commerce Avenue in Deltona, was served the warrant stemming from the crash when he was ion state prison, serving a sentence for a conviction of beating an elderly person. “He has places to go in the community, a job to return to, and he could try to work towards trying to be some productive member of society,” Spencer O’Neal, his assistant public defender, argued. “I don’t believe that there’s a history where it would indicate that he’s a flight risk.” O’Neal acknowledged Antolino’s criminal history, but said “it indicates that he actually doesn’t run from his cases.”
Assistant State Attorney Melissa Clark described the crash as an “egregious case” in which Antolino was traveling at 100 mph or more, was under the influence of meth–an assertion O’Neal strongly rejected–and qualifies as a prison release reoffender, meaning that he’s been in prison three times within the past 10 years. O’Neal may contest that as well.
Antolino has a criminal history, including one battery on someone over 65 that he committed while this case was still under investigation,” Clark said. “I completely disagree with defense counsel. I think he absolutely is a flight risk.” The prosecutor cited an instance when he absconded while on probation.
The judge agreed. “I do find based on the evidence in this case, number one, is that Mr. Antolino does constitute a fight risk,” Perkins said. “Number two and more importantly, he’s a danger to the community, as evidenced by his prior conduct, and conduct when he was actually out on bond.” But Perkins agreed to reduce the $10,000 bond on one of the DUI charges from $10,000 to $5,000. Antolino has been at the county jail since October 1. He was released from state prison that day, after a seven-month sentence.
herewegoagain . says
THANK YOU . Circuit Judge Terence Perkins
Timothy Patrick Welch says
Consider,
Vehicles should be limited to a safe speed. (what roads have 100mph speed limits).
The design of highways is unsafe. (cars are traveling against each other at high rates of speed only 2-3ft apart).
Heart goes out to those involved…
Timothy Patrick Welch says
My thoughts on bail and fines.
They should be based in part on the earnings or net worth of the accused. So higher earners would feel the same bite that a poor person feels when they are arrested or ticketed.
Jimbo99 says
I recall this accident from the photo. Back then, it seemed like more of a mystery crash that early into any investigations. Anyway, here is more story on what put him in State prison. I don’t think he’s going anywhere, anytime soon.
https://flaglerlive.com/168664/angelo-antolino/
Concerned Citizen says
Having lost a girlfriend many years ago that was hit by a drunk this hits home.
This dude killed one person and maimed another. Not from a mistake. But a poor choice. He chose to get high and act stupid. And to top it off he has a career of breaking the law. And has zero regard for society.
There should have been a no bond on a charge this serious. It’s not our problem the jail is full. Why should he even be considered for bond after killing someone. Let alone reduce it.
Time to get some new judges that will uphold the law. Instead of being sympathetic to career felons.
Dave says
He should not be allowed any bail. He should be back in prison for good.
William A Yakoumis says
This William Kerns brother. His wife Indiana was one of the finest people I have ever been fortunate to know. The accident happened 1 month after their 29th wedding anniversary. They were on their way to their jobs at the hospital where they both worked. At the time when covid had first started. Indiana worked in housekeeping for 10 years. William was in supply distribution. They have 4 daughters, 2 grandchildren. Indiana was a loving, devoted wife, mother. and grandmother. She was a shining example for her children. Never been in any trouble. Never took drugs, Always looking to lend a helping hand. We all will miss her loving was as long as we live.