‘We can move on’: Plea deal offers closure for family of teen killed in 2016 hit-and-run

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The woman that struck and killed 19-year-old Kaulana Werner in a 2016 Nanakuli hit-and-run will not serve any additional jail time.

Under a plea deal, Myisha-Lee Armitage on Monday pleaded guilty to charges of negligent homicide and an accident involving death or serious bodily injury.

“All we wanted was for her take full responsibility,” Ed Werner, Kaulana Werner’s father.

Officials say in return, Armitage got an 18-month sentence and credit for time served. Armitage is now on five years probation and is banned from driving or consuming alcohol during that time.

“We can move on. Like today my family forgive her,” said Werner.

Since Kaulana’s death, the Werner family has sought to make Hawaii roads safer, sign waving and holding events to raise awareness about the penalties for driving drunk.

They were also able to get the Kaulana’s Law passed, which extends the maximum sentence for hit-and-run drivers. They say it wasn’t until last month that they heard Armitage was ready to make plea deal and accept full responsibility

The Werner family tells HNN it will continue their work to encourage people not to drink and drive.

SEE MORE:

• A new trial in teen’s hit-and-run death opens old wounds and reignites calls for justice
• Appeals court reverses conviction in fatal hit-and-run that rocked Nanakuli
• Relatives of hit-and-run victim filled courtroom to hear an apology, but it never came
• ‘Kaulana never had a chance’: Father of hit-and-run victim takes stand

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