Authorities actively hunting former sheriff’s deputy who killed two people after failing to show up for trial

Authorities have classified 38-year-old Joshua Roelofs as a fugitive following his disappearance on Monday, June 16, ahead of jury selection in Tampa, where he was to face serious felony charges linked to a 2022 crash on the Courtney Campbell Causeway.

Roelofs had been free on a $19,000 bond while awaiting trial on multiple counts of DUI manslaughter. His absence from court comes after he already missed a mandatory pretrial hearing in April, at which he was expected to either enter a guilty plea or formally request a jury trial.

The Fatal Crash

Prosecutors allege that on the night of the crash in April 2022, Roelofs was behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Corvette, speeding at more than 100 miles per hour. His blood alcohol level was reportedly measured at twice the legal limit. Roelofs’ vehicle collided with a car driven by Ricky Gongora, 44, killing both Gongora and his 28-year-old passenger, Kris Koroly, at the scene.

A third occupant in the vehicle survived but sustained catastrophic injuries. According to reports, the man spent four months in a coma and continues to struggle with long-term complications, including seizures and impaired mobility.

Video evidence reviewed by investigators and obtained by Fox 35 allegedly shows Roelofs weaving across lanes in the moments leading up to the fatal impact.

Outrage and Grief from Victims’ Families

The families of the victims have expressed deep frustration over Roelofs’ disappearance and the circumstances that allowed him to remain free prior to trial.

George Negrete, Gongora’s father, described his son as a source of joy for those around him. “Ricky was just a jovial person. He was always happy. He always found a silver lining in any cloud. He could always brighten up your day,” Negrete said.

Negrete voiced anger over the bail conditions that allowed Roelofs to be released in the first place. “It’s just a mix of emotions — just disgusted at the system that he was even out on bail for a little more than $4,000 to think that he was out being a free man after having taken two lives,” he said. “It’s a grave injustice for him to be a fugitive now. I think he’s just a coward. Everybody has to answer for their actions, and you know he took the easy way out.”

Roelofs’ Background and Ongoing Manhunt

Roelofs previously served as a deputy in Polk County, Florida, where he worked for five years before being dismissed for filing false time records in order to receive unearned pay. His history as a law enforcement officer has drawn additional scrutiny in light of the current charges.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office released a new mugshot of Roelofs this week as authorities intensified efforts to locate him. Investigators believe he may have fled the state and noted that he has ties to Ohio and Michigan. The Tampa Police Department is now treating the case as an active fugitive investigation.

Both the U.S. Marshals Service and Roelofs’ former attorneys, who withdrew from his case after he failed to appear in court, have declined for comment. His exact whereabouts remain unknown.

TOP STORIES

• Veteran Cop Fired After Telling Gunmen to ‘Act Like Victims’ Following Fatal Shooting
• Responding officer shot and killed by porch-sitting homeowner who warned him and made it clear ‘I’m not f**king playing’
• Sheriff Who Threatened ‘No Kings’ Protesters With ‘We Will Kill You Graveyard Dead’ Just Opened a Can of Worms on Himself

Authorities are urging anyone with information about Roelofs’ location to contact law enforcement immediately.