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Family upset with possible plea deal in hit-and-run case
Joseph Dralus Senior was known to everyone, because he would flash a peace sign while on his daily walk. It was on that walk that he was hit-and-killed by a driver in 2020, who then took off. Now, that driver is expected to take a plea deal in the case. Evyn Moon reports.
BRADENTON, Fla. –
In a Bradenton neighborhood, Joseph Dralus, Sr. was affectionately known as the “Peace Walker,” a cherished presence who greeted everyone with a smile and a peace sign during his daily strolls.
Joseph Dralus, Sr., who was killed by a hit-and-run driver while on a walk.
Tragically, during one of those walks in 2020, he was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver. The driver fled the scene, leaving the community in shock.
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The driver, Teresa Zeppi, is anticipated to accept a plea deal that could limit her punishment to just two years of house arrest.
Teresa Zeppi, the hit-and-run driver, is expected to accept a plea deal Thursday in Bradenton.
Dig deeper:
This proposed plea deal has angered Joseph’s son, Joey Dralus Jr.
“I was shocked and confused when I got the call saying she won’t serve any jail time,” said Joey Dralus Jr. “When I learned about the plea agreement made without any consultation… my father died from this. Someone has to be held accountable.”
Joseph Dralus, Sr. with a family member.
Joey Dralus Jr. believes this plea deal fails to deliver justice for his father’s tragic death.
“Are you kidding me? This punishment hardly fits the crime,” Joey expressed, emphasizing that the driver has avoided incarceration throughout this process.
What’s next:
Joey plans to attend the courthouse for a 4 p.m. hearing on Thursday, hoping that the judge will reject the plea deal.
“I hope that tomorrow the state’s attorney sees the light and recognizes that this isn’t enough. I want the judge to deny it and deliver a real consequence,” stated Joey passionately.
Footage of the 2020 hit-and-run that killed Joseph Dralus, Sr.
Joey Dralus Jr. has vowed to remain visible and vocal throughout the process.
“I will be present. Everyone will know who I am. I won’t be silenced,” he declared, expressing deep frustration with the judicial system.
Zeppi is facing charges for leaving the scene of an accident that caused injury or death and tampering with evidence after allegedly washing and repairing her vehicle in the aftermath of the incident.
The Source: FOX 13’s Evyn Moon collected the information in this story.
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Key Information
- Joseph Dralus, Sr., a beloved community member known as the “Peace Walker,” was killed in a hit-and-run incident in 2020.
- The driver, Teresa Zeppi, is facing a plea deal that may result in only two years of house arrest.
- Joey Dralus Jr., the victim’s son, is outraged by the potential leniency of the plea deal.
- Joey plans to attend an upcoming court hearing to advocate for justice on behalf of his father.
- Zeppi is charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident and tampering with evidence.
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Article original publish date: 2025-02-19 08:00:00
Article source: www.fox13news.com
Read the full story at the original source: www.fox13news.com
