Woman convicted in Dupont Circle traffic fatality
For family and friends of Kiela Ryan, today’s verdict in a fatal traffic case in Dupont Circle was bittersweet.
It took them back to last October, when Kiela, celebrating her 24th birthday, was getting out of a parked car in Dupont Circle. Police say that’s when Jorida Davidson, 31, crossed two lanes of traffic and crashed into Ryan, killing her.
Davidson, who is accused of being drunk at the time of the crash, fled the scene. She was caught because a bicyclist took down her license plate number and reported it to police.
A jury Tuesday convicted Davidson of negligent homicide, driving under the influence and leaving the scene of the collision.
"She showed no remorse the whole time,” said John Ryan, the victim’s father. “Three straight weeks, the only expression was smiling when her witnesses came up. And then at times when the judge wasn't in she'd go through this laughter like it's party."
A judge ordered Davidson jailed pending sentencing on September 9. She faces up to five years in prison on the negligent homicide charge, up to six months in jail for leaving the scene of a collision involving injury and a fine of up to $500 and up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $300 for driving while under the influence.
Authorities said Davidson had a history of traffic violations and of causing minor accidents after driving while under the influence.
"I just it was very selfish, also arrogant that she thought she could get away with something like this,” said Nikkia Rice, the victim’s friend.
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