Accused hit-and-run driver in US illegally, victim’s family seeks justice

UPDATE: A woman arrested for a deadly hit-and-run in 2019 pleaded no contest on Jan. 25, 2021, to the charges and received a four-year sentence, with credit for time served.

Beatrix Lutz, 44, will receive credit for time served – 436 days. The daughter of victim Ileana Rivera Ortiz approved of the plea deal, and an attorney read a statement on her behalf, saying, “No words can express the loss she has experienced.”

Lutz, who is German, was found to not have legal documentation to live in the country, residing here illegally for a decade.

The family of Ileana Rivera Ortiz told WINK News after Lutz’s arrest nearly a week after the crash that investigators informed them someone was arrested in the case.

Lutz is accused of hitting Ileana along SR-82, near Colonial Boulevard, on Sept. 18, 2019. Later on, investigators found the driver 13 miles away in Estero.

Edgar Rivera Ortiz, Ilena’s brother, said he and his family do not hold ill feelings toward Lutz, but they want to know why she left the scene when she could have tried to help their loved one.

“I have no words at this time to describe the feelings we have in our hearts,” Edgar said. “It’s like half of your heart is gone.”

Previously, a spokesperson for the victim’s family said they are grateful for the people who stayed behind to be with Ileana in her last moments.

“Ileana’s daughter and her Edgar expressed that they wanted to thank the people that ran to Ileana’s aid when she was lying in the street, you know, fighting for her life,” said Lisa Domingo, a family member of the victim. “They really appreciate that people ran to her aid and tried to do the best they could.

Edgar said Ileana moved to Southwest Florida only four months before she was killed. Her family traveled from all over the country to the area to say their goodbyes.

“All the family is united. I haven’t seen this before,” Edgar said. “All the phone calls and the messages coming from Rivera’s Family, the Ortiz Family. It’s tragic.”

Investigators say Lutz may face deportation back to Germany after facing charges in Southwest Florida. They say Lutz has resided in the U.S. illegally for 10 years.

We asked why Lutz was allowed to return home before she was officially arrested after the crash, especially since she does not have a valid driver’s license, and we have not received a response.

For now, Edgar and his family seek one thing for Ileana.

“Justice for my sister,” Edgar said. “It’s the only thing I can ask for.”