Tampa Republic

Albert Ayala, a 34-year-old resident of Orlando, Florida, has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg. Ayala faces up to 15 years in federal prison, with sentencing scheduled for August 21, 2024.

Court records reveal that Ayala was driving on I-4 when his girlfriend, the sole passenger in the vehicle, was ejected and subsequently struck by multiple vehicles, resulting in her death. Ayala continued driving and eventually crashed at the base of an I-4 exit before fleeing on foot. A pistol and 11 rounds of ammunition were found in the vehicle, with Ayala’s DNA identified on both the firearm and the deployed airbag. At the time of the incident, Ayala had ten prior felony convictions, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

While the firearms offense falls under federal jurisdiction and was prosecuted accordingly, any investigation or prosecution related to his girlfriend's death is under state jurisdiction.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Orlando Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie A. McNeff.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department launched an enhanced violent crime reduction strategy on May 26, 2021, focusing on fostering community trust and legitimacy, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results.