Speeding stolen car crashes in St. Pete, killing 2

Two teenagers are dead after a stolen car slammed into a tree in St. Pete, then caught fire.

The crash happened just after 3 a.m. at 38th Avenue N and 49th Street N.  Police say the stolen Mazda Miata was westbound “at a high rate of speed” on 38th when the driver lost control.

Both people inside died.  They were later identified as Damari Milton, 18, and passenger Dequante Lightsey, 16.

Yolanda Fernandez of St. Petersburg police says it took the medical examiners several hours to identify the victims because the bodies were unrecognizable. 

"The bodies were badly burned their clothing, everything," Fernandez said. "We want to bring closure as quickly as possible."

Phil Lendoski, who lives across the street and heard the crash, says he rushed to the scene to try and help the boys, but the flames were too intense. 

"We went outside and ran across the street and the car was on fire we heard people screaming," Lendoski said.  "You couldn't get near the car, you couldn’t get near it at all."

The teens had a history.  A post on Milton's Facebook page shows him with guns and an assault-style rifle, with dozens of car keys at his feet.  The other victim, Lightsey, was one of four burglars busted by Pinellas County deputies after they say he helped steal a Lexus near Tarpon Springs.