LAKE COUNTY, FLA. – A judge has revoked the bond of Dylan D. Katwaru who awaiting trial for allegedly causing a crash killing a teen after he was arrested on new drug charges.
Katwaru will stay in jail until his trial, Circuit Judge James Baxley ruled Tuesday. The case is set for trial on March 17.
Katwaru was 17 on Jan. 11, 2022 when he lost control of a 2007 BMW, hit a raised median and caused the vehicle to roll over two lanes of traffic and flip on top of a pickup truck, according to court records.
Three passengers suffered injuries that required surgery, but the crash killed 17-year-old Victoria Gonzales, an East Ridge High School student. The crash also injured the driver of the truck.
Witnesses on U.S. Highway 27 just north of Legacy Boulevard told police the car was going extremely fast and changing lanes before the collision.
Katwaru was held on $50,000 bond on charges of vehicular homicide and four counts of reckless driving causing serious bodily injury.
He was arrested in Orange County on July 22 of 2024 on three drug possession charges and one charge of cannabis with intent to sell. He was held on $10,000 bond in that case.
The court file includes an anguished letter from Victoria’s grandfather to Circuit Judge James Baxley asking for justice.
“This is desperation from a grandfather. I loved Victoria and had hopes for her. I’m a Christian and believe there are reasons for everything.”
He mentions a call he got from prosecutors about a possible problem with blood alcohol evidence.
Assistant State Attorney Gabe Lozano, who is the head of the Lake County office, said he is not personally handling the case, and he was not familiar with any evidence problem but said it is doubtful his office would be commenting on evidence before trial.
There is a filing from his office about a Clermont police officer who was fired for mishandling cases.
“It doesn’t necessarily mean that it affects this case,” Lozano said. He is required by law to notify the defense, if the officer is handling perimeter duties or is the lead detective.