Victim’s family faces accused killer in Christmas 2013 crash

LEE COUNTY, Fla.- A family reeling over the loss of their loved one is spending this holiday season seeking justice. Prosecutors say former State Attorney’s investigator Charles Lawson hit Michael Sasen with his car Christmas Day then took off.

Sasen’s family spoke with WINK News about coming face to face for the first time with Lawson in the courthouse.

The family says they will not be satisfied until Lawson serves time in jail.

“We need justice for this to settle in our hearts because this is just an open wound and this is more salt on it when we go into court today,” said Dean Sasen, Michael’s brother.

This Christmas will mark one year since Sasen was hit and killed while crossing McGregor Boulevard.

Lawson is charged with a DUI and leaving the scene of the deadly crash.

“I think he should be held accountable for what he done. He left my son dead in the road and drove away,” said Joseph Sasen, Michael’s father.

“If I was in that situation, I would have stopped, got out and done my best to help the person that I hit,” said Dean Sasen.

According to the crash report, investigators say Lawson left the scene after hitting Sasen with his state- issued car.

A Lee County deputy noticed the same car driving back down the boulevard shortly after the wreck with damage to the windshield.

Officials say Lawson’s eyes were bloodshot and had indicators of being under the influence.

The Sasen family tells WINK News, Michael’s 11-year-old son Scott is taking his loss the hardest.

“His son is in his room, he don’t want to come out no more for a year,” said Michael’s brother Joe Sasen.

“It’s really a tough thing, to watch a kid go through that,” added Dean Sasen.

It’s for both Michael and Scott that the family wants to see Lawson behind bars.

“I just tell him that we are trying to get him justice, the best way we can,” said Joseph Sasen.

Tuesday’s court hearing was just a status conference. Lawson’s attorney told the judge the case could be headed for trial in a few months. The next court date is in January.