An Auburndale man has been taken into custody after he allegedly caused the death of a woman in a hit-and-run incident last month, as announced by Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
Tuesday, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said it charged Francisco Lapierre, 41, of Auburndale in the death of Melinda Rogers, 21.
“He’s locked up like he should be, and our goal is to send him to prison,” Judd said.
The authorities reported that the event occurred following a shooting at the Kulture nightclub located in Winter Haven. Lapierre was trying to escape the shooting scene in a Porsche Cayenne when he struck Rogers as she was crossing the street.
The sheriff’s office stated that the suspect initially applied the brakes before hitting the woman, but then reversed over her and quickly left the scene. Multiple witnesses reportedly saw the dark-colored Cayenne collide with Rogers and drive away.
“Did not even stop to help our victim. Melinda was a beautiful young lady,” Judd said.
During their investigation, detectives learned Lapierre had re-registered his vehicle to his nephew in Palm Beach County.
Judd explained, “We traveled to Palm Beach County. We spoke with the nephew who wasn’t aware of the situation and was entirely cooperative. We located Francisco Lapierre, and he admitted to the act. He mentioned he realized he hit something while escaping the club shooting but failed to stop.”
A forensic examination of the SUV showed that it had signs of being in a crash and running over something.
Lapierre has been charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death.
“We can’t bring Melinda back, but I hope this brings some closure and consolation to her family by knowing we have identified the person responsible for the loss of that wonderful young lady,” Judd expressed.
