‘Insane’ man accused of killing New Tampa father riding bikes with sons granted more freedom
TAMPA, Fla. - A Tampa man who was declared insane when he drove into a father riding bikes with his sons, killing him, will now be able to exercise outdoors and spend more time with his family.
It’s been five years since Mikese Morse is accused of intentionally hitting and killing Pedro Aguerreberry and inuring his young sons.
Days before the fatal crash, Mikese Morse had posted videos on social media ranting about the devil. He had also gone into a Tampa police substation days earlier and said he needed help. At that time, Mikese Morse and was committed to a mental facility and released.
Shortly after being released, police say Mikese Morse was driving on New Tampa Boulevard when he spotted Aguerreberry bike riding with his two young sons. Mikese Morse made a U-turn and purposely plowed into the trio.
Law enforcement vehicle and crime scene tape at sight of fat hit-and-run in New Tampa.
Mikese Morse was found not guilty by reason of insanity and sent to a state hospital.
READ: Doctors agree: Man was insane when he ran down Tampa family, killing father of 2
Now, after years of treatment, Mikese Morse was back in court on Wednesday, asking the judge for something else, more freedom.
"This is so uncharacteristic of me and who I am as a person," explained Mikese Morse.
Mikese Morse appeared in court on Tuesday asking for more freedom.
He went on to say that his treatment has been successful and believes he’s earned more privileges.
READ: Police: Hit-and-run suspect intentionally crashed into family, killing father
"Before the situation, I have never been in legal trouble," Morse stated. 'I had never been a threat to the community. I have never been in the situation like what transpired. I’ve been in college, I’ve been competing on the international track circuit in the community doing positive things."
Mikese Morse says he competes in track now.
Michael Morse, Mikese’s father, also spoke to the judge.
RELATED: Judge overlooks medical report for Mikese Morse, causes delay in treatment
"My son has been compliant he hasn’t had any problems or issues of any nature," said Michael Morse.
Mikese Morse in court
Last year, Aguerreberry's wife noted that the scars of losing Pher husband will always be present for herself and her children.
PREVIOUS: Father dies following hit-and-run, son in critical condition
"I’m reminded every day of what he’s capable of because I’m reminded of what I lost," she stated.
Pedro Aguerreberry died in the fatal hit-and-run in June 2018.
After hearing all sides, Tampa Judge Mark Kiser said he would allow Morse more freedom without losing sight of what’s important here.
"Obviously a horrific tragedy was not in line with your prior behavior, Mr. Morse; nonetheless, the ultimate goal is to prevent this from happening again," explained Kiser.
Morse will now get an opportunity to have more outings with his parents and be able to ride his bike and exercise outdoors on a more consistent basis.
The Aguerreberry family also asked the court to make sure Morse has no contact with them while he is out in the community; the judge granted that as well.