Clody Gonzalez Vera sentenced to 15 years in prison for hit-and-run death

The driver convicted in a hit-and-run crash on the Cape Coral Bridge that killed 21-year-old Austin Manke has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Clody Gonzalez Vera was found guilty of leaving Manke to die after the crash in February of 2020.

During the sentencing, Gonzalez Vera stared straight ahead as the judge handed down his sentence, with little reaction.

Judge Bruce Kyle sentenced Gonzalez Vera to 15 years in prison followed by 15 years of state supervision.  He must also complete 120 hours of community service in the hospital trauma center.

Gonzalez Vera was also sentenced to 16 months for the obstruction charge which will be served concurrent to count 1.

His family cried as they left the courtroom, trying to come to grips with his sentencing, and his attorney said he believes the sentence is too long and he plans to appeal.

But Manke’s family said they are satisfied with the sentence, despite the fact, there are no winners here.

Manke’s aunt and mother read emotional impact statements in court hith Austin’s picture by their side, about how they will never be able to move on.

MORE: Driver in hit-and-run crash that killed Austin Manke found guilty

During the trial, at least two witnesses testified they saw a wrecked car matching the description of Gonzalez Vera’s black Nissan Altima near the scene of the crash.

Jurors heard from Gonzalez Vera. He testified he believed his tire blew out and caused him to hit a wall on the bridge.

During closing arguments on Friday, prosecutors said his tire blew out because it drove over the debris from the crash after he hit Manke.

On January 7, jurors deliberated for close to two hours before returning the verdict.

The defendant’s family and friends did not offer impact statements at sentencing. Instead, 27 people wrote letters to the judge asking for mercy.

The judge said 15 years is appropriate, explaining that if Gonzalez Vera had just stopped when he hit Manke on the Cape Coral Bridge two years ago, we would not be here today.