Regina Woman Sentenced to 15 Months for Fatal Hit-and-Run

UPDATE: A Regina woman, Victoria Redwood, has been sentenced to 15 months of community-based punishment for her involvement in a fatal hit-and-run incident that occurred on December 2, 2023. The heartbreaking case has drawn attention to the impact of reckless driving and community support for victims.

In the early hours of December 2, Redwood drove her vehicle through an alley in Regina, striking 25-year-old Lakisha George, who later succumbed to her injuries in a hospital. Redwood initially believed she had hit garbage bins and did not realize a person was injured until she returned to the scene, where she found George lying on the ground. Despite urging others to help, Redwood left the scene, prompting charges of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.

During the sentencing earlier this month, Judge Marylynne Beaton highlighted the complexities surrounding the case. Redwood admitted to having consumed alcohol that night, but the Crown could not prove her ability to operate the vehicle was impaired. The tragic incident occurred around 1 a.m., and the judge noted that Redwood left the scene under pressure from her boyfriend, who had an outstanding warrant.

George’s family has expressed the profound emotional toll her death has taken on them, particularly as she was a mother to two young children. In victim impact statements, family members spoke of their devastation, emphasizing the loss to their community.

Redwood, a mother of four—including a newborn—has faced her own challenges, including intergenerational trauma linked to her family’s history with residential schools. Judge Beaton acknowledged Redwood’s struggles with domestic abuse and substance use, but praised her efforts towards rehabilitation, such as pursuing her Grade 12 education and accessing addiction services.

The Crown requested a nine-month jail sentence followed by two years of probation, while the defense argued for a conditional sentence of 14 months in the community. Ultimately, Judge Beaton imposed a 15-month conditional sentence, which includes strict terms. For the first nine months, Redwood will be under 24-hour house arrest and monitored electronically, followed by a curfew from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. for the remaining six months.

In her ruling, Judge Beaton stated, “I need to keep in mind that Ms. Redwood is not criminally culpable for causing Ms. George’s death. She is culpable for leaving the scene and not giving police a chance to speak to her at that time.”

This case has sparked discussions about the responsibility of drivers and the tragic consequences that can arise from reckless behavior. As the community reflects on this incident, the focus remains on supporting the families affected and addressing the underlying issues that contribute to such tragic outcomes.

As this story develops, it serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of our actions on others and the importance of accountability in ensuring community safety.