Deadly Consequences: Sarasota Motorcyclist Killed During Catalytic Converter Theft
In a tragic incident that occurred in 2023, a young Sarasota motorcyclist, aged 21, was killed in a hit-and-run accident connected to an attempted theft of catalytic converters. Duplicitously involved in this incident were five males hailing from Miami. The crime shocked the communities involved.
Among these individuals was Samuel Rosemond, a 22-year-old, who along with Antonio Carbonell, 37; Allen Hunt, 28; and Micheal Trillo, 22; faced accusations of second-degree felony murder. The quartet were also accused of partaking in burglary when the structure was unoccupied, grand theft, and traveling for the sole purpose of committing a burglary.
Edwin Norris, a 31-year-old, formed the fifth constituent of the group under investigation. Setting him apart from the others were the particularly harsh charges brought against him including felony murder, hit-and-run, and a staggering 20 counts of traveling with intent to commit a burglary.
According to the Sheriff’s Office of Sarasota County, the quintet had undertaken a calculated journey from Miami to Sarasota during the month of April in 2023. Their criminal objective: to steal catalytic converters from work vehicles stationed at All Glass and Windows (AGW) as well as Arrow Environmental Services.
A significant haul of catalytic converters, totaling 22 in number, was reportedly stolen. The estimated value of these converters amounted to about $94,000. This high-value theft only served to compound the severity of the crimes committed.
The series of events began to unravel when deputies were called to respond to a burglary taking place at AGW. It was at this point that the suspects reportedly made a harried escape, ditching the scene in a dark-colored Audi vehicle.
In their reckless haste to flee, the suspects ran a red light, resulting in a tragic collision with a motorcyclist. The victim was a young man named Leonardo Adams, aged 21. The containing horror of the situation manifested itself, when, instead of stopping to assist or even acknowledging the incident, the suspects made the ruthless decision to flee the accident scene.
The motorcyclist, Leonardo Adams, succumbed to his injuries on the spot. This devastating incident was a horrendous conclusion to a series of criminal acts, adding a dimension of heartache and loss to an already serious crime.
Further investigation led to the discovery of the escape vehicle left abandoned along the shoulder of I-75 near Fruitville Road. This discovery marked a significant point in the case, allowing the detectives to make crucial headway in their investigation.
Following deeper inquiry, detectives were able to identify Edwin Norris as the person who had been driving the Audi at the time of the collision. The passengers in the Audi were identified as Hunt, Trillo, and Rosemond.
It was further revealed that apart from the Audi, a second vehicle was involved in the execution of these crimes. Antonio Carbonell was identified as the individual operating this second vehicle. This added an additional layer of complexity to the case, revealing it wasn’t the act of an individual, but a well-coordinated effort.
The trio, consisting of Carbonell, Norris, and Rosemond are being detained in the Sarasota County Correctional Facility. Their offenses were considered of such gravity that they are being held without the possibility of posting bond.
On the other hand, Allen Hunt is currently being held in Miami, awaiting the procedure of extradition. His circumstances will soon change when he is transferred to Sarasota in relation to this case.
Micheal Trillo is also in custody, however, he is being held in Miami-Dade County. His situation is further complicated by another set of criminal charges—attempted murder—which he is facing along with charges of this incident. He will be extradited to Sarasota County once all legal proceedings related to his current charge are resolved.
This tragic series of events paints a gruesome picture of a theft gone horribly wrong, escalating to the unfortunate loss of a young life. The combined impact of the crimes committed by the five men were not only a gross violation of law and order, but also a heartbreaking loss for the victim’s family and the community at large.