Hit-and-run suspect struck victim so hard her head went through windshield, prosecutors say
WEST MIAMI-DADE, Fla. (WSVN) - A Miami woman faces several charges after investigators say she was involved in a hit-and-run that killed a 41-year-old woman while driving drunk.
Ivana Gomez, 32, appeared in front of a judge for the first time Saturday. Investigators believe she was driving under the influence when she hit and killed 41-year-old Katherine “Katie” Kipnis.
The victim’s cousin, Rachel Kipnis, appeared in court over Zoom.
“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.
According to an arrest report, an officer spotted Gomez speeding in the early hours Friday on Southwest 7th Street in Miami. The officer tried to catch up with her and witnessed the alleged hit-and-run on Southwest 21st Avenue in the Little Havana neighborhood. Police say Gomez didn’t stop until she got stuck in traffic.
Pictures of the suspect’s mangled BMW released in court Saturday revealed the force of the impact.
“[She] hit the victim so hard that the victim’s head went into the vehicle through the windshield, and some of the victim’s hair got caught on the enger’s seat belt,” prosecutor Laura Adams said.
Police say they smelled a strong odor of alcohol in the car, and Gomez had red, watery eyes. Investigators also noticed fresh vomit in her car.
Prosecutors say the facts of the case show a disregard for human life. According to the arrest report, Gomez reportedly told officers, “It was just a homeless person that I hit, and it is just an accident.” In court, she denied making such a statement.
Gomez is facing charges of leaving the scene of a crash with death and resisting an officer without violence. Prosecutors are waiting for evidence from the BMW’s black box and the toxicology report. The suspect may then face more charges, including vehicular homicide.
The judge granted Gomez a $250,000 bond. If she bonds out, she will be placed on house arrest and has to turn in her port. She has been ordered to not drink or drive.
Copyright 2025 WSVN via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
