Posted on 04/21/2026 2:51:16 PM PDT by DFG
An 18-year-old Atlanta Braves minor league catcher was arrested for leaving the scene of a hit-and-run crash that killed a semi-tractor-trailer driver on I-75 in Manatee County Monday morning, according to troopers.
What we know:
The Florida Highway Patrol says they found and impounded a 2022 Ford Mustang and arrested 18-year-old Jonathan Matos Morales of Cocoa for vehicular homicide and leaving a crash scene involving death.
According to FHP, the Braves turned Matos Morales in after the team saw the mustang in their compound.
Authorities say Matos Morales has been booked into the Manatee County Jail.
First appearance
Dig deeper:
Matos Morales appeared from the Manatee County Jail for his first appearance. His family was present in the courtroom.
"He comes from a family of very limited means. Jonathan himself works within the Atlanta Braves, Farm System my understanding is he makes 1400 hundred dollars every other week," said his lawyer.
A lawyer hired for his court appearance told the judge Matos Morales does not have a criminal record.
"He has I have been told zero criminal history, zero criminal history. Community ties and family. He is an American citizen. He was born in Puerto Rico he came to Florida I believe when he was about 10 and has lived here ever since," said his lawyer.
(Excerpt) Read more at fox13news.com ...
Well, he does NOW!
Does that count being an illegal alien?
Not guilty! He’s an athlete. Has limited means, so he can kill someone. Not guilty!
Hey, where are all the “not guilty” comments because the accused “has attributes they like” people?
This happened in my county.
Deport the dude back to Puerto Rico and put him in prison there.
he was born in Puerto Rico and moved here when he was 10. he is an American Citizen!
He is an American Citizen from birth and moved to Florida when he was 10. Florida is stuck with him!
He’ll still be a catcher in prison at least.
The article doesn’t tell me what level of a ball he was at.
Mustand vs. Semi and the Semi lost? And Mustang was still able to drive away? Why am I a little skeptical. Need more info
NO PROOF OF BECOMING AN AMERICAN-—A SQUATTER???
Born in Puerto Rico - USA citizen by birth.
How does a semi-truck driver get killed by a Mustang?
OK - I read it.
The Mustang weaving in and out of traffic caused the semi-truck driver to flip.
Unless the crash was video taped, that will be hard to prove.
Your post makes no sense dummy
What part about “born in Puerto Rico” do you not understand ?
If he’s in the “Farm System” he’s probably single A.
Almost all semis have dash cams these days. If it was in an urban area, there were also likely cameras along the roadway.
Weird. Usually it’s the semis that do the killing.
“Does that count being an illegal alien?”
If English isn’t his first language, then YES! Send him back.
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