Woman killed in suspected DUI related crash, suspect has history of similar offenses

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK) — A quiet neighborhood at the intersection of Beach Parkway West and Oasis Boulevard is mourning after a weekend crash left one woman dead and her husband fighting for his life.

While 22-year-old Tyler Paul Janson sits behind bars facing a charge of DUI Manslaughter, a WINK Investigates review of Lee County court records reveals a history of similar offenses.

"It Sounded Like a Train"

Neighbors woke up Sunday morning to a "sea of flashing red lights" and the mangled remains of a vehicle. Jody Goldsporo, a close friend of the victims, says the group had been up late playing games when the sound of a violent impact shattered the silence.

"We heard he was going over 100 mph," Goldsporo said. "It sounded like a train. There were no skid marks—he just slammed into the back of them."

The crash claimed the life of Deby Stortzum, described by Jody as a "lovely person" who would do anything for anyone. Her husband, Chuck Stortzum, survived the impact but remains in serious condition with a broken nose, seven broken ribs, and broken vertebrae, according to Jody.

A Timeline of Failed Deterrence

WINK Investigates uncovered that Janson’s history with drinking and driving was not only known but was actively being litigated in the days leading up to the crash.

Date	Legal Event
January 2026	Janson receives a citation for careless driving.
Last Monday	Janson is found guilty of a 2025 DUI arrest.
Last Friday	Janson’s attorneys file a plea for the January citation—just 48 hours before the fatal crash.
Sunday	The deadly collision occurs at Beach Parkway West and Oasis Blvd.

During the 2025 arrest, Cape Coral Police body camera footage captured officers making what now feels like a haunting premonition about the potential dangers Janson posed to the community. Despite being sentenced to probation and ordered to attend DUI school only six days prior, Janson was behind the wheel again this weekend.

"He Never Should Have Been on the Road"

The Cape Coral community is now grappling with anger alongside their grief. Friends of the Stortzums are questioning why someone with a recurring history of DUI charges was still able to operate a vehicle.

"This never should have happened," said Cheryl Swick, another friend of the victims. "Somebody with that many DUIs... he should have lost his license. He never should have been on the road."

Janson remains in the Lee County Jail. At the time of the crash, he was on active probation. Cape Coral Police are continuing their investigation into the specifics of Sunday's collision.

WINK News will keep you updated as we learn more.