News: Off duty detention officer fatally collides with driver on N Dale Mabry Hwy

TAMPA, FL – New evidence suggests that the off-duty detention officer who crashed into a car on August 20th may have been at fault, Tampa Bay Times reports.

Krista Ricther, 65, was pulling out of the Burger Culture restaurant on N Dale Mabry Hwy in a Nissan Murano and was about to make a U-turn when a Mustang operated by off-duty detention officer Daniel L. Hernandez, 36, plowed into them at 7:48 p.m.

Ricther, and her husband Peter, were taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital following the collision. Krista was put into a medically induced coma with broken arms, wrists, a shoulder, and a leg. Surgeons also removed a portion of her intestine. Peter’s injuries included a fractured sternum, a lacerated liver, and multiple fractured ribs.

Trooper J.O. Ruiz responded to the crash. He, for reasons unknown, put down that Hernandez’s speed was just 45 mph and that Ricther was at fault. However, Richter’s attorney, Ralph Fisher, has discovered evidence to refute that assumption.

According to data a forensic examiner pulled from the Mustang’s data recorder as well as data obtained from surveillance footage shows that Hernandez reached a speed of 109 mph just before the crash. At the time of impact, the Mustang was going about 83 mph.

Fisher has turned this data over to the FHP on September 18th. The FHP has since launched a homicide investigation into Richter’s death. If convicted, Hernandez could face 15 years in prison.

Do you have a loved one who has died following a car wreck caused by another driver? If so, Kemp Law Group’s Tampa wrongful death lawyers would like to speak with you. Depending on the circumstances of the case, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your loss to help cover funeral costs and other expenses. Call us today at 727-847-4878 or complete this form to schedule a consultation with us at no cost to you.