A teenage boy is facing first-degree murder charges, accused of killing a classmate. Mikhail Cuba was riding his e-bike down a narrow strip of road in his Florida neighborhood when he was struck from behind by a car. Sadly, he died from his injuries just days later. As police investigated the crash that took Cuba’s life, they made a shocking revelation. The teen apparently wasn’t hit accidentally. In fact, not only was Cuba hit on purpose, but it also turns out that he had a long history with the person who allegedly killed him. The two apparently didn’t get along, and his accused killer was a major bully. Now, Cuba’s family wants justice.
Deputies responded to reports of a hit-and-run crash on November 20, 2025, Fox 35 reported. When they arrived, they found Cuba, 17, in critical condition after being hit by a vehicle. He died three days later.
Surveillance footage found by investigators showed that the teen was hit intentionally, according to WFTV. That footage led detectives to change the investigation from vehicular manslaughter to premeditated murder.
Homicide detectives got a warrant for the arrest of 17-year-old Elijah Richard Emmans. He was taken into police custody on March 6, 2026. After his arrest, he was taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center, charged with first-degree murder, Fox 35 reported.
Cuba’s grandmother, Ecstasy Mooty, spoke with Fox 35 about her grandson’s death. She said he was riding his e-bike home from a basketball game when he was hit. More importantly, Mooty said that her grandson knew Emmans; he was part of a group that had bullied her Cuba for years. She called Emmans a “really sick, sick individual.”
“That’s not even a person,” she continued. “I wouldn’t even classify that as an animal.”
Mooty explained that the bullying got so bad, the family had pulled Cuba out of Oakridge High School and started homeschooling him.
“They’re cowards because they did it from behind. He didn’t see them coming,” she claimed, per Fox 35. “But they’re going to see me coming. They’re going to see me every day in court, and I hope it haunts them.”
According to Mooty, her daughter Ashley, Cuba’s mother, fell into a deep depression after the teen’s death. She died “in her sleep” from an accidental overdose.
Their relationship was incredibly close. Cuba “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,” his obituary reads.
“He was quiet and serious, yet his playful and silly side shone through for those he loved,” the tribute continues. “He was always willing to go the extra mile for his family and friends. No matter the distance, you could always count on him being there for you.”
