A 79-year-old man charged with killing a Florida teen with his boat was reportedly sentenced Monday to at least six months of probation as part of a plea agreement.
Carlos Guillermo “Bill” Alonso, who drove the boat that fatally struck 15-year-old Ella Adler in May 2024, pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors in relation to the incident, according to the Key Biscayne Independent. Prosecutors had charged him with two counts of careless operation of a vessel, according to NBC Miami.
Alonso was sentenced to six months probation, the Miami Herald reported. The charges carried a maximum penalty of 60 days behind bars, Miami-Dade County Court Judge Julie Harris Nelson said. Alonso must take part in a 75-hour boating safety course, contribute $5,000 to the Florida Crime Victims Compensation Fund on Adler’s behalf and pay a $500 state fine and court fees, according to the Key Biscayne Independent.
Alonso will also be prohibited from driving a boat during his probation. He could reportedly face up to 12 months probation, the outlet reported.
If he meets all of the terms outlined in the plea deal, his probation could be ended after six months, the Key Biscayne Independent reported. At that point, he would also be allowed to petition the court to vacate his guilty pleas. (RELATED: ‘Going To Get Your Ass Kicked’: Police Say ‘Brave Citizen’ Chased Down Serial Arsonist Wreaking Havoc On Neighborhood)
Adler was wakeboarding while having herself towed in Biscayne Bay when she fell into the water, only for Alonso’s boat to hit her, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials said, NBC Miami reported. Alonso’s attorneys said he wasn’t drinking at the time of the incident and was unaware that he’d hit a person with his boat.
Adler was a ballerina and a Ransom Everglades High School student. She was also the granddaughter of former U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Michael Adler, the Key Biscayne Independent reported.
Alonso’s attorney, Lauren Field Krasnoff labeled the incident a “tragic accident” in a statement obtained by the Miami Herald.
“Our hearts go out to the Adler family. This was a tragic accident, and of course, Bill never intended to hurt anyone that day. Bill’s decision to plead guilty was driven by his hope that doing so would cause less pain to Ella’s family and help shine a light on the Ella Riley Adler Foundation,” Field Krasnoff said.
Edmund Richard Hartley, the yacht captain who reportedly towed Adler, faces four counts of careless boating, one count among them for not having a lookout to keep an eye on the teen, the Miami Herald reported.