Headlines

Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Prison for Deadly St. Patrick's Day Crash

Posted: 12:36 PM Mar 5, 2013
Reporter: Garin Flowers

LIVE: Investigating Monroe and Tennessee Intersection After Crash 3-20 Noon
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Investigating Monroe and Tennessee Intersection After Crash
Parks to Represent Vickers
TPD Chief Talks About Deadly Monore-Tennessee Accident
TPD Chief Talks About Deadly Monore-Tennessee Accident
TPD Chief Speaks About Deadly Tennessee and Monroe Crash 3-23 6pm
TPD Chief Speaks About Deadly Tennessee and Monroe Crash 3-23 11p
Suspect in Fatal St. Patrick's Day Crash in Court

By: Garin Flowers

Tallahassee, Fla. - At his sentencing, 22-year-old Christopher Generoso opened up about what happened the night of March 17, 2012.

Generoso admits he was high on a synthetic drug, speeding and blacked out while driving. This was all he would remember until waking up in a hospital.

"I am so sorry for what I did that night," said Generoso.

On St. Patrick's Day last year, police say Generoso was on spice.

They say he was going nearly 70 miles per hour on Monroe street when he struck Vince Vickers, his wife Shakeila Vickers, their nine-year-old son Vincent and his friend Tyler Biggins.

Vince Vickers was the only survivor.

"My family's gone, and I have to live with that for the rest of my life," said Vickers, Car Crash Victim. "So, I just wanted to say, I thank everybody, my family, for being there for me and their help and support."

Generoso entered a plea and was sentenced Tuesday afternoon. The judge decided to give him 22 years in prison, with ten years of probation.

"Today brings it to a closure for me. I'm grateful, I'm grateful," Ira Daniels, Father of Car Crash Victim, said.

By: Garin Flowers
March 5, 2013, 5:06 p.m.

The judge sentenced Christopher Generoso to 22 years in prison with ten years of probation.

By: Garin Flowers
March 5, 2013, 4:40 p.m.

The judge has heard arguments from both sides, as well as emotional testimony.

The state is seeking 35 years in the department of corrections whereas the defense for Generoso is seeking 12 years behind bars.

A decision will be read by the judge in about 15 minutes.

By: Garin Flowers
March 5, 2013, 2:40 p.m.

Sentencing has begun for Christopher Genoroso, on trial for a deadly St. Patrick's Day crash that killed three people last year.

WCTV will bring you more information tonight on Eyewitness News.

UPDATED
By Julie Montanaro
March 4, 2013

A Tallahassee man accused in a deadly St. Patrick's Day crash will be sentenced tomorrow.

Christopher Generoso is accused of crashing into the back of a car at the corner of Monroe and Tennessee Streets.

Three people were killed. Shakeila Vickers, her 9 year old son Vincent Vickers and his friend Tyler Biggins. Vickers' husband was injured too, but survived the crash.

Generoso has already pleaded no contest to vehicular homicide and reckless driving. He faces a maximum of 55 years in prison.

Prosecutors say Generoso was on Spice that night, but the synthetic drug was not yet illegal.

UPDATED 10.1.2012 by Julie Montanaro

A judge has denied Christopher Generoso's request to lower his $98,000 bond.

Generoso is accused of vehicular homicide in the deaths of Shakeila Vickers, her 9 year old son Vincent Vickers, and his friend Tyler Biggins.

Generoso has been in the Leon County Jail since his arrest in May.

Tallahassee, FL -- May 30, 2012

21-year-old Christopher Generoso had his first appearance in court Wednesday morning. He was arrested Tuesday in connection with a crash that killed three people.

Tallahassee Police say on March 17th, he slammed into a vehicle with a mother, father, their child and child's friend inside. Only the father survived.

"There are some serious questions surrounding that particular day."

County Judge Nina Ashenafi- Richardson gave Generoso the full bond amount requested by the state.

He's accused of three counts of vehicular homicide and three counts of reckless driving causing property damage. Generoso also faces two counts of reckless driving causing serious bodily injury.

Attorney Daryl Parks represents the families of the victims in the crash.

"We are pleased that justice is taking place."

Blood results show Generoso was under the influence of a synthetic drug known as spice during the accident.

His attorney didn't go on camera, but says Generoso is deeply sorry for what his actions caused. Some family members of the victims told us the apology is too little and too late.

At a ceremony yesterday, family members celebrated the lives of their loved ones who died, Shakeila Vickers, Vincent Vickers, and Tyler Biggins.

Generoso is currently in the Leon County Jail. There will be another bond hearing in the coming weeks.

Tallahassee, FL -- May 30, 2012 - Noon -

The man accused of causing a fatal car crash on St. Patrick's Day had his first appearance in court this morning.

Eyewitness News Reporter Garin Flowers was the only reporter in the courtroom.

It's been more than two months since the fatal car crash on Tennessee and Monroe Streets. Three people were killed, including two children. Police waited for blood test results from the suspect before making an arrest. Following those results, the Tallahassee Police Department arrested 21 year old Christopher Generoso.

Generoso had his first appearance in court this morning.
County Judge Nina Ashenafi Richardson gave him the full bond amount requested by the state. He's accused of three counts of vehicular homicide, three counts of reckless driving causing property damage, and two counts of reckless driving causing serious bodily injury.

TPD Investigators say Generoso rear-ended a Jeep Cherokee killing Shakeila Vickers, her son Vincent Vickers and his friend Tyler Biggins. Vincent's father Vince Vickers was also injured in the crash. A toxicology report shows Generoso was under the influence of a synthetic drug known as spice during the accident.

Family and friends of the victims have been waiting for an arrest since the crash.

Tallahassee, FL -- May 30, 2012 - 9:30am -

Christopher Generoso had his first appearance in court Wednesday morning. Police arrested him Tuesday for the fatal accident that took the lives of two children, an adult and seriously injured two others.

County Judge Nina Ashenafi Richardson gave 21-year-old Generoso the full requested bond amount. That's $25,000 for each three counts of vehicular homicide; $10,000 for each three counts of reckless driving causing property damage; and, $1,000 for both counts of reckless driving causing serious bodily injury.

TPD Makes Arrest in Fatal St. Patrick's Day Crash

Tallahassee, FL -- May 29, 2012 --

On March 17th, 2012, Tallahassee Police officers responded to a traffic crash at the intersection of Tennessee and Monroe Streets. Sadly, the crash resulted in the deaths of Shakelia Vickers, her son Vincent Vickers, and his friend, Tyler Biggins. Due to the severity
of the crash, the Traffic Homicide Unit was called to the scene and began to investigate the incident.

During the extensive investigation, TPD investigators interviewed all parties involved, mapped the scene using the latest technology available, and sent blood work to an independent lab for toxicology analysis. After reviewing all of the facts of the case, a final report was presented to Assistant State Attorney Dave Marsey for approval to determine the most appropriate charges.

ASA Marsey approved the attached warrants for Christopher Generoso. Mr. Generoso turned himself into the Leon County Jail and is currently being processed.

Arrested:
Christopher Generoso White Male DOB: 01/02/1991

Charges:
Three Counts Vehicular Homicide for the deaths of Shakeila Vickers, Vincent Vickers and Tyler Biggins

Three Counts Reckless Driving causing Property Damage

Two Counts Reckless Driving causing Serious Bodily Injury

Memorial Created for Tennessee Street Car Crash Victims

[UPDATE] Tallahassee, FL --- May 20, 2012 10:35 p.m.

A new memorial has been put in place for the victims of a fatal St. Patrick's Day car crash.

The names Shakeila Vickers, Vince Vickers and Tyler Biggins are remembered at the intersection where the crash occurred.

Their Jeep Cherokee was struck from behind by a man also driving a Cherokee.

That driver and his passenger survived.

This all occurred March 17 around 10 p.m. Police are still waiting on toxicology reports from the incident.

[UPDATE] Tallahassee, FL --- March 22, 2012 10:46 p.m.

Four families are now forever affected after one driver runs runs a red light, killing three and injuring several on St. Patrick's Day.

On Friday, Tallahassee Police Chief Dennis Jones held a news conference to explain to the community why no one is behind bars now almost one week since that crash at Tennessee and Monroe.

"I'm here today to address some concerns in the community as to why no criminal charges have been filed," said Chief Jones.

Police say Christoph Generoso ran a red light at the intersection and rear-ended an SUV killing Shakeila Vickers, her nine-year-old son Vincent and his friend Tyler Biggins. Chief Jones says an investigation of this magnitude takes time.

"We are still in some of those processes, gathering information, gathering witness statements," said Chief Jones.

And one piece of evidence that won't be in that collection is footage from the red light camera that faces where the accident happened.

Allen Secreast with the City of Tallahassee at says, "The red light cameras are operated and maintained by our vendor, and we discovered after trying to pull the video of the crash, that the cameras were struck by lightning March 14th."

That was three days before the accident. The camera was fixed one day after the crash.

Chief Jones says, "The concern is why no one knew about that."

He says while the video would have been helpful, it's not critical to the investigation, but says they will be taking steps to make sure this does not happen again.

In the meantime, the community might have to wait up to eight weeks for toxicology test results on Generoso to find out if he was impaired at the time of the crash.

At last check, the father, Vince Vickers, is still recovering from his injuries at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, and the passenger in Generoso's car is also being treated there.

Tallahassee, FL ---March 22, 2012 -

“I have confidence that the Tallahassee Police Department will do everything possible to investigate this very tragic accident. We have spoken to Chief Jones and he has committed all necessary resources needed for a thorough investigation.”

-Darryl Parks, Vickers’ Family Attorney

[UPDATE] Tallahassee, FL ---March 22, 2012 - 2:45pm

We are waiting for Tallahassee Police Chief Jones to speak

[UPDATE] Tallahassee, FL ---March 22, 2012 - 11:40 -

Tallahassee Police have scheduled an afternoon press conference to discuss a deadly weekend accident that claimed the lives of a mother and two young boys. The red light camera that would have recorded the deadly accident was broken at the time. Alison Faris with the City of Tallahassee says lightning hit the red light camera at the intersection of Tennessee and Monroe Streets on March 14th. That's three days before Tallahassee Police say Christoph Generoso ran a red light and rear-ended an SUV, killing the mother and two fourth grade boys. The camera was back up and running the day after the crash.

No charges have been filed.

“I have confidence that the Tallahassee Police Department will do everything possible to investigate this very tragic accident. We have spoken to Chief Jones and he has committed all necessary resources needed for a thorough investigation.”

-Darryl Parks, Vickers’ Family Attorney

[UPDATE] Tallahassee, FL ---March 22, 2012 10:40am -

Tallahassee Police Chief Jones will be holding a press conference today at 2:30pm at the Tallahassee Police Department. The focus will be the recent traffic crash at Tennessee Street and Monroe Street.

Stay with WCTV for updates.

[UPDATE] Tallahassee, FL ---March 22, 2012 7:29 p.m.

A makeshift memorial has been setup at the site of last weekend's (3-17-12) fatal crash near Monroe and Tennessee Streets.

Balloons and teddy bears now lay at the site of the accident in this memorial for the the three who died: Shakeila Vickers, her son 9-year-old Vincent Vickers, and his friend Tyler Biggins.It's not known who made the memorial.

[UPDATE] Tallahassee, FL ---March 22, 2012

The red light camera that would have caught a deadly accident over the weekend in Tallahassee, was broken at the time.

Alison Faris with the City of Tallahassee says lightning hit the red light camera at the intersection of Tennessee and Monroe streets on March 14th. That's three days before Tallahassee police say Christoph Generoso ran a red light and rear-ended an SUV, killing a mother, two elementary school boys and sending the father to the hospital.

The camera that would have recorded what happened was up and running the day after the crash.

[UPDATE] Tallahassee, FL --- March 21, 2012

Tallahassee police are now waiting for toxicology reports for answers in a deadly crash that killed two little boys.

On Saturday, March 17th, officers say Christoph Generoso ran a red light at the intersection of Monroe and Tennessee Streets. He rear-ended an SUV carrying two elementary school students, nine-year-old Vincent Vickers and his friend Tyler Biggins. They died and so did Vincent's mother, Shakeila. The father, Vince Vickers is recovering from his injuries, along with another victim at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.

On Tuesday, the Vickers family hired an attorney to represent them in a civil suit to find out why Generoso has not yet been arrested.

"What we are asking is that the community understand that in a crash of this magnitude that we allow our investigators the time to process all the evidence, go through witness statements, all those things that add up to make the case, so we can present a full and thorough investigation to the state attorney's office," says Officer Dave Northway with the Tallahassee Police Department

“In a case of this magnitude, investigators are striving to ensure any and all appropriate charges are applied to the crash. Making a hasty arrest could adversely affect the prosecution of this case. I ask for the community’s patience as our officers conduct a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served to the victims and their families” says Police Chief Dennis Jones.

Officer Northway says toxicology results can take up to eight weeks to become available.

[UPDATE] Tallahassee, FL --- March 20, 2012

The Vickers’ family has retained Parks and Crump to represent them in a civil suit against Christoph Generoso.

Police say Generoso was driving the vehicle that hit the family’s SUV.

No official suit has been filed yet.

But attorney Darryl Parks says they have serious concerns that the driver who caused the accident has not been arrested.

Parks says the indications are that the driver was driving at an extremely excessive rate of speed on a busy Tallahassee road.

Parks adds that “the family is traumatized, devastated at this unthinkable incident and that the driver is still walking the streets after killing three people.”

[UPDATE] Tallahassee, FL --- March 20, 2012 - Noon -

Investigators are still piecing together what happened during a deadly St. Patrick's Day crash in Tallahassee. A mother and two 4th graders were killed. Police closed Monroe and Tennessee streets this morning to gather more evidence.

Tallahassee police closed off the intersection around 9am this morning. Officials tell Eyewitness News that they were taking pictures and trying to gather more possible evidence to try and figure out what happened Saturday night.

Police say what they find will be added to the investigation packet that they will supply to the state. That's when they'll find out whether they will be pressing charges or not.

Officials say a man driving a blue Jeep Cherokee rear-ended a family driving in a black Jeep Grand Cherokee. Vince Vickers, his wife, son and son's friend were in the vehicle that was struck. Vince was the only survivor in that vehicle.

The driver of the other vehicle sustained minor injuries. His passenger is at the hospital in fair condition.

[UPDATE] Tallahassee, FL --- March 20, 2012 - 8:22am -

The intersection of Tennessee Street and Monroe Street will be closed at 9am for approximately 10 minutes while investigators take photographs for their investigation.

[UPDATE] Tallahassee, FL --- March 19, 2012 - 8:00pm -

People who knew the families involved in the accident are now coping with the death of the ones they loved.

A tragic car crash on Saturday took the life of Shakeila Vickers, her son Vincent and Vincent's friend Tyler Biggins.

The two boys attended Ruediger Elementary school in Tallahassee.

Vince Vickers was the only survivor in their vehicle.

"As we worked together, me and Vince pretty much became best friends," said Neal Figgers.

Figgers worked with Vince Vickers for more than ten years. He has stayed by his bedside since the incident.

"I didn't get that information until around about 10 or 11, Sunday morning. Once I found out about it, I got myself together and checked on him."

Robert Johnson also knows Vickers and his family.

"I've been knowing Vince for ten years or more," Johnson said.

"He's a great person. Just to be able to go through what he's going through right now, it's going to take some time, some healing."

According to the police report, Vince Vickers - driving the black Jeep Grand Cherokee - was traveling north on Monroe and attempting to make a left on Tennessee.

That's when Cristoph Generoso - driving a blue Jeep Cherokee - was driving north on Monroe and rear-ended Vickers car, sending them in opposite directions.

Police say the driver who ran the red light walked away from the crash with minor injuries.

Those who know the families involved say they are praying for them and will remain with them along the way.

[UPDATE] Tallahassee, FL --- March 19, 2012 - 2:21pm -

According to Tallahassee Memorial, Vince Vickers and Devon Pittman are both listed as in fair condition.

Fair – Vital signs are stable and within normal limits. Patient is conscious, but may be uncomfortable. Indicators are favorable.

The two children that died in the accident were 4th graders at Ruediger Elementary School in Tallahassee.

[UPDATE] Tallahassee, FL --- March 19, 2012 - Noon -

Tallahassee Police are investigating the cause of a crash that occurred on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at approximately 10:06PM. The crash occurred at the intersection of Tennessee Street and North Monroe Street. The crash was the result of a rear end collision between a 1998 Jeep Cherokee and a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The initial collision also affected two other vehicles, which only suffered minor damage.

Due to the injuries caused by the crash, the Tallahassee Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit was called to assist with the investigation. Further investigation found the 2004 black Grand Cherokee was traveling northbound on Monroe Street when it stopped for a red light waiting to turn westbound onto Tennessee Street. The blue 1998 Cherokee was also traveling northbound on Monroe Street, where it appears it failed to stop for the red light. The collision forced the Grand Cherokee through the intersection, coming to rest in a vacant lot on the northeast side of the intersection.

Just prior to colliding with the Grand Cherokee, the Cherokee grazed a red Lexus SUV, causing minor damage. The Cherokee then made contact with the Grand Cherokee, and continued thru the intersection, coming to rest in the eastbound lane of Tennessee Street. As it came to rest, it also struck a silver Volkswagen. The Volkswagen received minor damage.

The driver of the blue Cherokee was identified as Christoph Generoso. He received non- life threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Also in the vehicle was Devin
Pittman who was seriously injured and transported by EMS.

The driver of the Grand Cherokee, Vince Vickers was transported by EMS personnel with life threatening injuries. He is currently receiving medical treatment at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Passengers in this vehicle, Shakeila Vickers and Vincent Vickers, both succumbed to their injuries on scene. Sadly, the fourth passenger, Tyler Biggins, also was transported by EMS to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday afternoon.

This crash is currently under investigation and charges are pending. Once the investigation is complete, an update will be provided.

Driver of blue Cherokee- Christoph Generoso White Male 01/02/91

Passenger in blue Cherokee- Devin Pittman White Male 05/24/89

Driver of black Grand Cherokee- Vince Vickers Black Male 12/22/72

Front Passenger in black Grand Cherokee- Shakeila Vickers Black Female 05/21/79

Rear Passenger in black Grand Cherokee- Vincent Vickers Black Male 03/31/02

Rear Passenger in black Grand Cherokee- Tyler Biggins Black Male 12/14/01

Driver of Red Lexus SUV- Kimberly Balangue Asian Female 05/13/73

Driver of Silver Volkswagen- David Solomon White Male 09/06/86

[UPDATE] 7:30 p.m. Tallahassee, FL --- March 18, 2012

Tallahassee Police have confirmed a third person has died involved in Saturday's accident at the intersection of Monroe and Tennessee Streets. Officials say they will release more information on the accident and the victims tomorrow morning.

[UPDATE] Tallahassee, FL --- March 18, 2012

Yesterday, at 10:09 p.m., the Tallahassee Fire Department responded to a deadly two vehicle accident at the intersection of West Tennessee Street and Monroe Street. Firefighters used extrication equipment to remove the entrapped patients from the vehicles. Two people died on scene and four people were transported to the hospital as a
result of the accident. No other injuries were reported at the scene.

Tallahassee, FL --- March 17, 2012

A four car crash at the intersection of Tennessee and North Monroe resulted in two fatalities. The intersection will be closed for a few hours while police investigate the crash. There is no further information at this time.

Tallahassee, FL -- March 17, 2012

Witnesses say there are at least two vehicles that have crashed at the intersection of Monroe and Tennessee. The intersection is completely closed off right now. Avoid this intersection if at all possible. WCTV has a reporter headed to the scene. We will update you as details become available.