Florida Hit-and-Run Suspect Appears in Court After Fatal Crash

Fatal Hit-and-Run in Winter Haven

• 💔 A 21-year-old woman, Melinda Rogers, was killed in a hit-and-run crash outside the Culture Nightclub in Winter Haven on September 28th.
• ⚡ Shots were fired outside the club, and Melinda was struck by an SUV as she was trying to get away from the scene.

Arrest and Confession

• 🔍 Francisco Leier, 41, of Auburndale, was arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
• 🚗 Detectives state Leier was fleeing the shooting when he hit Melinda with his 2005 Porsche Cayenne, backed over her, and then sped away.
• 🗣️ Leier confessed to hitting something while fleeing the shooting but did not stop.

Legal Proceedings and Family's Plea

• ⚖️ Leier faces charges of leaving the scene of a vehicle involving a fatality and tampering with evidence.
• 💰 His bond was set at $50,000.
• 🙏 Melinda's loved ones are seeking justice, expressing hope that the suspect will be held accountable for taking her life.