Dad Accused of Throwing Daughter Off Bridge Incompetent for Trial, Doctors Say

The 25-year-old Tampa man accused of throwing his daughter into the chilly water below the Dick Misener Bridge may not be competent to stand trial in her death.

That’s the conclusion of two separate doctors, according to TBO.com. The court has yet to decide, however, if John Jonchuck Jr. will stand trial in the January death of 5-year-old Phoebe, the site reported. A status check has been scheduled for Feb. 17.

See Also:

• ‘He’s Out of His Mind,’ Says Attorney for Dad Accused of Throwing Child from Bridge
• Officer Tried to Stop Man Accused of Throwing Child Over Skyway
• Dad Accused of Throwing Daughter From Bridge Had Lengthy Criminal History

A report issued by the Florida Department of Children and Families Monday indicates that child protection workers failed to follow up on calls to the state’s abuse hotline in regard to Phoebe Jonchuck’s well-being, the Tampa Bay Times reported. While DCF admits missteps, the agency says nothing could have signaled what was about to occur, the paper noted.

Phoebe’s final hours began to unfold just after midnight Jan. 8 when off-duty St. Petersburg Police Officer William Vickers was passed by a car doing 100 mph. Vickers gave chase, but the car, which officers say was driven by John Jonchuck had quite a lead on him.

As the man neared the top of the Dick Misener Bridge, on the approach to the Skyway, Vickers watched as the car stopped, John Jonchuck got out and threw Phoebe into the water below, the St. Petersburg Police Department announced at the time of the child’s death.

Jonchuck then got back into his Chrysler PT Cruiser and took off into Manatee County where authorities there stopped him near the University Parkway exit.

A search for the child was launched with U.S. Coast Guard assistance. Phoebe was located and attempts were made to resuscitate her. She later died at a local hospital.

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