Family of hit-and-run victim wants jail time for perpetrator

A Kalispell family is seeking justice after a beloved patriarch died in a hit-and-run crash last fall.

William “Bumps” Winter, 89, died Friday, Sept. 28, 2018, from injuries he suffered after being run over on a Kalispell street the previous evening.

According to a report by Kalispell Police Officer Jason Parce, Heidi Marie Long, 46, of Kalispell, was driving north on First Avenue West when she struck and severely injured Winter at about 8:12 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, as he attempted to cross the street in the crosswalk at the intersection of First Street West.

Winter died the next day at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Also part of Parce’s report was an eyewitness statement by William Sirl, who said he saw the Long’s vehicle hit Winter without slowing or braking and he saw Winter “roll off” Long’s vehicle. Also, the incident was partially captured by video surveillance from a nearby business.

Long is currently facing one misdemeanor count of careless driving involving death or serious bodily injury.

She initially accepted a plea agreement March 21, 2019, from the Kalispell City Attorney’s office. The deal indicated that Long would plead guilty, pay a $2,500 fine and receive a 1-day deferred sentence.

But, according to Lori Nelson, one of three daughters of Winter who hopes to see Long prosecuted for their father’s death, said Kalispell Municipal Court Judge Lori K. Adams didn’t accept the plea agreement because jail time wasn’t included.

Adams said that because the plea agreement wasn’t what the family was in favor of, namely jail time, she rejected it.

“The family wanted some jail time, even just one day, and because the plea agreement called for one day deferred, I didn’t think it was appropriate,” Adams said.

After the plea deal was rejected, Long changed her plea to not guilty and a trial has been scheduled for July 24.

Long now faces a possible sentence of six months in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Sean Hinchey, the attorney Long hired after the plea deal was rejected, filed a motion to have the jury trial waived and for a bench trial to be scheduled, but it was denied by Adams.

Nelson recently spoke of the frustrations the family has experienced.

“We just want some justice,” Nelson said. “There should be consequences. She didn’t stop to see what happened and she’s told police a few different stories.

“We don’t believe she intended to do it, we believe she just wasn’t paying attention,” Nelson said. “It would be nice if she (Long) would be held accountable for what she did.”

Nelson, who said she was the victim of a distracted driver when she lived in Phoenix, said she has been constantly looking at other hit-and-run accidents since her father’s death.

“It seems to be happening more and more and I think it’s because of this,” Nelson said as she pointed to her phone.

Johnna Preble, the assistant city attorney prosecuting the case, acknowledged the tragedy.

“It’s a terrible thing that happened and we try to take the family’s thoughts into consideration, but at the same time, we can’t let emotion rule what we are trying to do,” Preble said.

Nelson reiterated her feelings, saying Long needs to be in jail.

“Even if for a day or two,” Nelson said. “I’ve been to jail and it’s not pleasant. She and others need to understand there are consequences.”

Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com.