Kathy Hall, an "angel mom," is recounting the fatal 2016 incident in which her 18-year-old daughter, Hailey King, was killed by an illegal immigrant driver. King was struck and killed by a truck driven by Sergio Rodriguez in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Hall said Rodriguez was speeding at 36 mph over the limit at the time of the collision.
According to Hall, King was riding a scooter with a friend when she was hit from behind. The impact threw King onto the hood of the truck, and Hall stated that Rodriguez continued to drive, ultimately causing King to fall headfirst onto the street. King sustained severe injuries including brain stem hemorrhage, cranial hemorrhages, a burst spleen, and a lacerated liver, and she died shortly after the incident. She left behind a 2-year-old daughter.
Rodriguez was sentenced to 17 years in prison for manslaughter, battery, and leaving the scene of a crime. Hall has been notified that he has become eligible for parole after serving just one and a half years, requiring her to repeatedly testify against his release.
King's friend, Osmin "David" Gutierrez, was also severely injured in the incident. Hall said Gutierrez was trapped underneath the truck for over a mile before Rodriguez pulled into an apartment complex. Gutierrez's legs were detached, and he died two years later from complications related to his injuries.
Hall described the aftermath of the incident, including her arrival at the hospital to find her daughter unresponsive. She recounted promising her dying daughter that she would "never stop fighting for justice."
She also detailed challenges in the legal process, stating that Rodriguez "disappeared for three days" before being apprehended and was released on bond within an hour. Hall believes Rodriguez was "protected every step of the way" during the trial. She also expressed confusion and frustration regarding decisions not to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) about Rodriguez's immigration status, suggesting that notification might have led to his deportation before the fatal incident.
Hall stated that she and her family are forced to relive the trauma every two years due to parole hearings. She continues her advocacy, aiming to keep her promise to her daughter and prevent similar tragedies for other families.