Driver pleads no contest in 125 mph Cape Coral street racing death, sentencing expected Wednesday

A driver charged in a deadly street racing crash in Cape Coral has pleaded no contest and is expected to learn his sentence Wednesday. Court records show Chase Magruder, 23, entered a no contest plea Tuesday to a charge of vehicular homicide in Lee County Circuit Court. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 19. The case stems from a July 19, 2024, crash along Pine Island Road. According to Cape Coral police, investigators determined Magruder and Anastasiya Zadorozhna were racing at speeds exceeding 125 mph when Alberto Almedo's vehicle was forced into a canal, killing the 52-year-old. The crash left Almedo's four children grieving the loss of their father. Zadorozhna was arrested after investigators obtained arrest warrants for both drivers. Magruder was later arrested in Pennsylvania and returned to Florida to face the charge. Wednesday's sentencing hearing is expected to bring the criminal case against Magruder to a close. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV