Woman responsible for 2015 hit-and-run death sentenced for driving on suspended license

Nearly six months after being caught driving with a suspended license, Yariza Herrera pleaded guilty to the charge and is going to jail, bringing some peace of mind to Lauren Harkins and her family.

“I think our community can know that that is one less person on the road right now that doesn’t have the experience to be driving on that road and it puts less families at risk,” Harkins said.

Four years ago next month, Herrera struck and killed Harkin’s brother, Evan Shepherd, in a hit-and-run crash in Fort Myers.

The then 16-year-old Herrera avoided jail time and took a plea deal. Part of that agreement was a revoked driver’s license. Now she will spend the next 30 days in jail. Shepherd’s mother is happy this case is over.

Although Harkins wasn’t a victim of this case she felt it was important for the judge to see their faces.

Harkins said it’s painful and it’s a long time coming, “We’re so close to what would be his thirty first birthday as well as his four year anniversary of his death I think it’s very important that even for years later that Evan has a voice in the courtroom.”

Herrera will serve 6 months on probation as well.

Shepherd would have turned 31 on January 7, and the four-year anniversary of his death is January 25.