(West Union, IA) — A 27-year-old Des Moines woman has pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide charges. Kelli Jo Michael admitted hitting a teenager riding his moped three years ago. Fourteen-year-old Kaiden Estling was killed. Michael admits she was driving recklessly when she rear-ended the victim near the town of Fayette. She was arrested last summer and now faces up to 10 years in prison. Michael’s sentencing is set for July 12th. As part of the plea agreement, she will pay the victim’s family 150-thousand dollars in restitution. The family is also suing her in a civil court action.
Des Moines Woman Pleads Guilty To Vehicular Homicide Charges
By Tom Robinson
Jun 9, 2021 | 6:59 AM

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