Dad Accused of Throwing Daughter Off Bridge Has Lengthy Criminal History

The Tampa man accused of throwing his 5-year-old daughter off the southbound approach to the Skyway Bridge Thursday morning is no stranger to local law enforcement.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office released information late Thursday morning revealing numerous past contacts with 25-year-old John Jonchuck, who now faces first-degree murder charges in the death of his daughter Phoebe. St. Petersburg Police say the child was thrown over the side of a rail into chilly waters 62 feet below just after midnight.

The act was witnessed by an off-duty St. Petersburg Police officer who said Jonchuck blew past him going more than 100 mph. That officer attempted to stop Jonchuck’s white PT Cruiser, but was unable to catch up in time to prevent the tragedy that unfolded.

Phoebe was recovered from the water at 1:45 a.m., but succumbed to the fall at 2:44 a.m., the department reported.

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Her father’s past encounters with law enforcement include a string of violent crimes, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office reported. Child Protective Services has investigated the family three times. Two of the cases, the sheriff’s office stated, have been closed, but one remained open at the time of Phoebe’s death. The open case does not involve a complaint against John Jonchuck, the sheriff’s office noted.

John Jonchuck’s past run-ins with Hillsborough County deputies include:

• May 23, 2010 – Battery Domestic Violence. He was accused of battering Phoebe’s mother, Michelle Kerr in this case.
• May 26, 2013 – Battery. Jonchuck was again accused of battering Michelle Kerr during an argument that turned physical.
• Oct. 25, 2013 – Forgery. Jonchuck was accused of forging Michelle Kerr’s checks. She ultimately declined prosecution.
• Nov. 6, 2013 – Battery. This time John was accused of battering his mother, Michele Jonchuck during an argument.
• April 23, 2014 – Battery. In this case, Jonchuck and a male acquaintance got into a physical altercation, the sheriff’s office reported. Both parties refused to press charges.

Deputies also say they had an encounter with Jonchuck on Jan. 7. Information on that case is not yet available as the report is not finalized.

Jonchuck, the sheriff’s office noted, also had numerous run-ins with the Tampa Police Department over the past few years.

Phoebe Jonchuck was a kindergartener at Cleveland Elementary School in Tampa, the school district confirmed Thursday morning.

John Jonchuck was picked up by authorities in Manatee County and is now jailed in Pinellas County.