Joseph Younts charged in Venice U.S. 41 hit-anrun pedestrian crash

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Joseph Younts charged in Venice U.S. 41 hit-anrun pedestrian crash

VENICE, FL, (April 12, 2026) – A 28-year-old man was killed in a hit-and-run crash in South Venice early Saturday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

Authorities identified the driver as Joseph Younts, 59.

Investigators said a 2021 white Jeep Wrangler struck a pedestrian on U.S. 41 at West Seminole Drive shortly before 2 a.m. The driver fled the scene, leaving the victim injured in the roadway.

The victim was transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

FHP said Younts and a passenger, Kelly Black, 55, had left a Sarasota bar earlier that night. After the crash, Younts allegedly attempted to conceal the vehicle and repair damage, while Black allegedly assisted in altering or hiding evidence.

Younts was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death and tampering with evidence. Black was also arrested and charged with accessory after the fact.

The investigation remains ongoing.


FATAL ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

In many hit-and-run cases, offenders believe fleeing the scene will prevent consequences, but once identified, they often face serious criminal charges. Unfortunately, hit-and-run crashes remain frequent, occurring more than once every minute across U.S. roads.

Candice Bond, an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney, emphasized the importance of a prompt independent investigation to protect victims’ rights.

“Proper investigative resources are essential to build a strong hit-and-run case and establish negligence,” said Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal.

“Factors such as road conditions, visibility, and lighting must all be carefully examined,” she added.

These steps are crucial in ensuring that families who lose loved ones in hit-and-run crashes receive justice and fair compensation.


WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

Pending the investigation, the family of the victim may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. Such claims may include damages for emotional distress, loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from a fatal crash.

“The emotional toll of losing a loved one in such circumstances is overwhelming,” said Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal.

“We understand the difficulty families face, and protecting their rights is essential. A wrongful death attorney will monitor the investigation and ensure the family’s legal interests are fully protected.”


(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)


If your loved one has been killed by a hit-and-run driver and would like a no-cost consultation, please contact our national legal analyst Candice Bond today

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

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