PHEU THAI Party today (March 25) debunked a claim by an American citizen who ran the red light and killed two Thai students just as they were crossing the street near Miami Beach, Florida, on March 18 that he was “mentally ill” believing that this is an excuse to get a lenient sentence, Amarin TV said today (March 25).
Ms. Sarisa Kongduang, 22, and Mr. Greatgomon Laowatdhanasapya. 24, were fatally struck by Mr. Adan Negorn- Morris, 42, with police reports stating that he claims he is suffering from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, and depression.
Judge Mindy Glazer set bail at $1 million (approximately 36 million baht) with the suspect facing serious charges including fleeing the scene, causing death and two counts of negligent homicide.
The judge stated, “I believe he posed an extreme danger to society. Reports indicate the defendant intended to commit suicide, so he closed his eyes and accelerated, hitting two innocent people crossing the street.”
The judge also ordered the suspect to surrender all passports and travel documents, and if released on bail, he will be subject to further legal proceedings. He will be permanently banned from driving.
Prosecutors indicated that additional charges of drunk driving causing death may be filed after the toxicology results are available. Furthermore, the suspect has an extensive criminal record, including cocaine possession, probation violations, and court absences.
Meanwhile, Mr. Payu Nueangchamnong, Pheu Thai’s deputy spokesperson, said this in an X.com post, “I would like to clarify as Thai media has begun reporting on the tragic incident where two Thai students were killed in a car accident in Florida, USA, on March 18 that some of the information is inaccurate.
“The family of one of the victims, whom I know personally, has requested my assistance in clarifying/explaining the following:
“Mr. Adan Negron-Morris, the suspect drove a car that hit the two students while they were crossing the street, with both studying in the US and had both graduated from Indiana University, They were visiting Miami before they died at the hands of Mr. Adan, who has already been arrested. However, it has been reported that the suspect has a history of ‘mental illness,’ not just high on drugs.
“This information regarding Mr. Adan’s ‘mental condition’ is merely a hypothesis by officials and the media there, as he claims to the police that he intentionally drove to ‘kill himself’ before hitting the two victims.”
“It is believed that the suspect intentionally used his mental instability as an excuse to reduce his sentence after driving under the influence of drugs and running a red light, fatally hitting the two victims. He then attempted to flee but was eventually apprehended. He has a history of numerous offenses, including violations of probation.
“The families of the victims thank the media for publicising this case, ensuring it doesn’t go unnoticed simply because it occurred abroad, and for their desire to seek justice for the victims.
“However, they also request that the media refrain from presenting inaccurate information that could indirectly reduce the suspect’s sentence by legitimising his mental condition as an excuse when he has a long criminal record.”
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Top and Front Page – The two Thai students who died and the American suspect. Photo – Amarin TV
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