Milwaukee man who hit and killed woman while driving without a license is sentenced
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Milwaukee man convicted of hitting and killing a woman while driving on a suspended license was handed down his sentence in court Thursday.
Latrell Katherine, 28, plead guilty in the case and will spend 270 days in jail, followed by three years of probation. He will also have work release privileges.
Court documents state that on March 30, 2023, Katherine was driving for Door Dash on a suspended license when he hit Tessa Steele, causing her death.
Prosecutors say Katherine was not speeding or driving reckless. They stated in court that the accident happened at night and the victim was wearing dark colored clothing. Katherine did stay at the scene following the accident and was driving a vehicle with valid insurance.
When investigators asked Katherine how he was driving for Door Dash without a license, he stated that he had told the delivery service he was using a bicycle for deliveries in order to get around not having his license.
Judge Jean Kies addressed the importance of following the laws and rules of the road in order to keep our streets and communities safe. "We need to make sure that we are cognizant of our neighbors, that we are aware of citizens who are pedestrians on the street, that we are respectful of other drivers on the street and that we obey the rules of the road," said Judge Kies.
Tessa Steele
The victim's mother spoke in court during the sentencing and to CBS 58 after. She says this loss hurts but she forgives. "He could have left the scene of the crime, but he didn't and I'm trying to teach my grandchildren how you can forgive people for what they did wrong," said Patricia McGee.
Katherine himself also spoke during the hearing. "I take full responsibility for everything that happened that night," he said. It was also mentioned in court that he's a hard worker and the father of twin girls. Character letters were submitted to the court for consideration during the hearing and his family was present in the gallery. Since the incident, he has also gotten his license reinstated, although he won't be allowed to drive for a period of time as a condition of his probation. Following Judge Kies' sentencing, Katherine was taken into custody.
The next court date is set for Jan. 11, 2024, to discuss restitution in the case.