Teen Who Quit School Over Bullying ‘Mowed Down’ While Riding Scooter, Police Say

A Florida teenager has been accused of intentionally hitting his schoolmate with his car, which led to the latter’s death. The incident happened on November 20, 2025, in Orlando, when 16-year-old Mikhail Cuba was riding an e-bike on Wakulla Way, a one-lane street.

His classmate, 17-year-old Elijah Emmans, allegedly approached from behind and struck him with a car. Cuba was found at the scene in a critical condition and rushed to a hospital, where he died three days later.

The Florida Highway Patrol initially treated the incident as a hit-and-run case and charged Emmans with vehicular manslaughter. However, surveillance footage later revealed new details that allegedly showed Emmans intentionally hitting Cuba.

The case was then transferred to the Orange County Sheriff's Office for a homicide investigation. Emmans was arrested on March 6 and charged with first-degree murder. He is being held at the Juvenile Assessment Center.

Meanwhile, Cuba’s family continues to deal with unimaginable grief. His grandmother, Ecstasy Mooty, said Emmans had bullied Cuba for years, along with his friends. Because of the constant bullying, Cuba was withdrawn from Oakridge High School and began homeschooling.

According to Mooty, Cuba was driving home from a basketball game when Emmans hit him intentionally. She said she is now fighting for justice for her grandson.

Mooty said in a statement to FOX 35 News, “They’re cowards because they did it from behind. He didn’t see them coming.”

“But they’re going to see me coming. They’re going to see me every day in court, and I hope it haunts them,” she added.

Mooty also said the family faced additional tragedy after Cuba’s death. Cuba's mother fell into depression after the tragedy and later died of an accidental overdose.

“When you lose the thing that you love the most, it will drive you to even be self-destructive. Being without your only child. Who is just a child. So much promise. It just broke her heart, and she died in her sleep,” Mooty said.

Cuba’s obituary also mentioned how close he was to his mother. “Mikhail shared an unbreakable bond with his mother, serving not only as her beloved son but also her best friend through thick and thin. Their relationship was filled with laughter, deep conversations, and unwavering support,” read the obituary.

The family described Cuba as a kind, intelligent, and generous boy who was always willing to go the extra mile for his loved ones. The obituary noted that he loved riding bikes, something he was also doing on the day of the incident.

“He loved riding bikes, finding peace and freedom in the open road. His honor, nobility, and dignity were beyond measure, and he touched countless lives with his warmth and compassion,” the family said.