Fayetteville, Arkansas — Nearly a decade after 18-year-old Hailey King was killed in a devastating hit-and-run crash, her mother says the pain remains as raw as ever.
Now, as the man convicted in the case seeks parole, Kathy Hall says she is determined to honor the promise she made to her daughter during her final moments: to never stop fighting for justice.
Hall recently shared her family’s story while speaking about the emotional toll that repeated parole hearings have had on those left behind.
Mother Recalls Daughter’s Final Moments
According to Hall, the tragedy unfolded on Nov. 7, 2016, when Hailey was riding on a scooter with a friend in Fayetteville, Arkansas, while heading home for dinner.
Authorities said the scooter was struck from behind by a pickup truck that was traveling well above the posted speed limit.
Hall said the impact threw her daughter onto the hood of the truck before she was thrown onto the roadway, suffering catastrophic injuries, including brain stem and cranial hemorrhages, a ruptured spleen, and a lacerated liver.
After being called to the hospital that night, Hall said she immediately realized the severity of her daughter’s condition.
She recalled sitting beside Hailey’s hospital bed, telling her how much she loved her and promising that she would never stop fighting for justice.
According to Hall, her daughter’s heart stopped shortly afterward.
Driver Convicted and Later Became Eligible for Parole
The driver, Sergio Rodriguez, was later convicted of manslaughter, battery, and leaving the scene of a crash, according to Hall.
She said he received a 17-year prison sentence.
However, Hall said she was notified that Rodriguez became eligible for parole after serving about a year and a half, requiring her family to attend parole hearings to argue against his release.
She said each hearing forces relatives to revisit the traumatic events surrounding Hailey’s death. According to Hall, the emotional impact returns every time the parole process begins again.
Second Victim Also Suffered Devastating Injuries
Hall said Hailey’s friend, Osmin “David” Gutierrez, also suffered life-changing injuries during the crash.
According to her account, Gutierrez became trapped beneath the truck and was dragged for a considerable distance before the vehicle eventually stopped.
He survived the initial incident after losing both legs but later died two years afterward from complications related to a blood clot, Hall said.
His death added another layer of heartbreak for the families affected by the crash.
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Family Says Legal Process Has Been Difficult
Hall said seeking justice has been a long and painful journey.
She alleged that Rodriguez disappeared for several days after the collision before authorities located him and that he was later released on bond while awaiting trial.
She also questioned decisions made during the legal process regarding federal immigration authorities, saying her family struggled with difficult questions about accountability and prosecution.
Those comments reflect Hall’s perspective on how the case was handled.
A Promise That Continues Years Later
Today, Hall says her motivation remains the same as it was in the hospital room nearly ten years ago.
She wants to ensure her daughter’s memory lives on and believes continuing to participate in parole hearings is part of keeping the promise she made.
Hall also spoke about the lasting impact on Hailey’s young daughter, who was 2 years old when her mother died.
She said her granddaughter has had to grow up without knowing the mother who loved her, something Hall says is a daily reminder of everything her family lost.
Although the legal process continues, Hall says she has no intention of stepping away from the fight she began the night her daughter died.
What are your thoughts on parole hearings in fatal hit-and-run cases? Should victims’ families have a greater voice during the parole process? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
