Florida woman charged after crash that killed pedestrian, police say she dismissed victim as ‘just a homeless person’
A Florida woman is in jail after allegedly killing a pedestrian in a hit-and-run and attempting to downplay the tragedy by saying the victim was “just a homeless person,” according to police and prosecutors.
Court records indicate that 32-year-old Ivana Gomez faces charges of leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death and resisting an officer without violence. She is currently being held at Miami-Dade County jail on a $251,500 bond.
Victim thrown into windshield, cop witnessed the crash
According to a probable cause affidavit cited by local news reports, the crash occurred around 1:15 a.m. Friday in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood. The victim, identified as 41-year-old Katherine Kipnis, was struck with such force by Gomez’s BMW that, prosecutors said during a bond hearing, her head went through the windshield and her hair became entangled in the passenger seatbelt.
A nearby police officer witnessed the collision and attempted to stop Gomez, but she allegedly drove off. Traffic eventually slowed her vehicle, and when the officer approached, he noticed the smell of alcohol on her breath, her eyes were bloodshot, and there was vomit in the passenger seat, the affidavit reportedly said.
Prosecutors told the court that Gomez remarked the victim was “just a homeless person that I hit” and added, “it’s just an accident.”
Gomez denied making those statements in court. “Your Honor, I never said that,” she reportedly told the judge. “I did not say that whatsoever. That’s false.”
Victim’s family speaks out
Kipnis’ cousin, Rachel Kipnis, gave a tearful statement during the hearing. “I just want Your Honor to be aware of what a shining light has been taken out of this world by the incredible irresponsibility of this defendant,” she said.
The victim’s father also spoke to local ABC affiliate WPLG. “My daughter was vivacious, lovable. Everyone really liked her. She was tough, but in a good way,” he said. “I just think back, I spoke to her last night at 6 o’clock when she told me, ‘I love you, Dad.’ That’s the last thing she said to me.”
More charges possible
Prosecutors said Gomez could face additional charges, including vehicular homicide, as the investigation continues.
