“When will Kaitlyn Kohler’s family get justice?

This is the account of the night that Kaitlyn Kohler was killed when she was walking across the crosswalk on US1 and Crosstown. How long does her family have to wait to get justice?

“Kait’s Last Date 05/05/23”

May 4th a PSL born and raised young woman Kaitlyn Kohler was at The Office playing pool and hanging out with her friend. As time got late, she recognized she needed to be to work late morning the next day and decided to walk home. Being an avid moon gazer, on a night with a full moon, this was something she often did and it was less than a mile walk to her house. She left about 12:45 AM May 5th and headed south on US1 to Crosstown light and crosswalk.  She was wearing lighter colored clothes and white sneakers with reflectors along with a white backpack.

Based on the witness testimony, the light turned yellow and traffic coming North stopped so Kaitlyn proceeded to cross US1 in the crosswalk. When she reached mid road, a car heading north moved left to run the light and impact with Kaitlyn was made. Next actions, this same car, a SLSCO SUV, is seen on a local business camera, stopping. The officer got out slowly from his SUV, noticeably with no lights or sirens and went back to the area of the impact. Not seeing anything at the impact, he looked around and saw something in the median to the left of which he then walked over to see what it was. The witness that was parked at the light who provided a lot of this detail, then pulled up and asked if he needed any assistance of which was declined. The witness noted there was no immediate actions around life saving being performed. 

Preliminary facts and witness testimony show Kaitlyn was following the law and doing everything right and the officer was not. He did not clear the intersection properly, no lights or sirens. He switched lanes in the middle of the intersection and did not attempt to perform life saving actions once he finally figured out he had hit Kaitlyn. This would suggest there was clear negligence due to distraction proved by video evidence he was unaware what he hit by his response soon after. 

It was soon after this time that her friend and mother arrived at the scene. No information was provided, meaning at this time it was not clear the officer hit and killed Kaitlyn. 

Florida Highway Patrol arrived some time after and took over the investigation. The FHP investigator explained the officer was involved. We were provided 2 case ID’s, one was traffic and one was homicide. He became our direct contact throughout the last 9 months. 

The investigation was lengthy, specialists were brought in and information was polished and concise per FHP Captain.

As of 2/1 we can confirm the investigation is completed and with the State Attorneys Office. 

3 days shy of 9 months later, We contacted the States Attorney Office here in St Lucie County of which we were told no more info is available and we will be contacted when Kaitlyn is deemed a victim. 

She already is a victim. Oxford Dictionary defines victim as:

vic·tim

noun

• a person harmed, injured, or killed as a result of a crime, accident, or other event or action.

No news, no updates no Justice for Kaitlyn. 

If this was a civilian, there would be certain immediate actions taken immediately but as of today 9 months later, the family has no answers and the officer continues to work and get paid with no repercussions at this time. It is clear there was obvious negligence and distraction as well as documented protocols were missed. 

It is important we keep this story and Kaitlyn’s name relevant so people do not forget what we are working to do. Justice for Kaitlyn Kohler.