Man Gets 5 Years for Fatal Chesapeake Hit-and-Run [Chesapeake, VA]

In a case that has gripped the Chesapeake community, a man has been sentenced to five years in prison for a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of an 8-year-old boy. The tragic incident on October 23, 2023, highlights the devastating consequences of reckless driving and the importance of accountability on the road.

Richard Humbert, 40, received a total sentence of 10 years, with five years suspended. Upon his release, he will face three years of supervised probation and a one-year suspension of his driver’s license. This verdict follows a November 2024 jury decision that found Humbert guilty of failing to report an accident resulting in death.

Details of the Incident

According to police reports, Humbert was driving a Honda Civic on South Battlefield Boulevard near Hillcrest Parkway when he struck 8-year-old Forrest Hooper, who was attempting to cross the street. Instead of stopping to help, Humbert left the scene and later claimed to authorities that he believed he had hit a deer. However, investigators found no evidence of deer fur or related traces on his vehicle.

The investigation also revealed that Humbert conducted multiple online searches for Chesapeake news updates within 24 hours of the incident, raising further questions about his awareness of the accident’s severity.

Family’s Pain and Hope for Change

Forrest’s grandmother, Cindy Lutz, shared the profound impact of the loss on their family, describing life without her grandson as an ongoing struggle. Despite the pain, she expressed a sense of closure with the sentencing.

“I’m pleased with the sentence,” Lutz stated. “I’m grateful that this wasn’t seen as just a minor traffic situation, and that Forrest and his life, along with our loss, was recognized.”

Lutz hopes that this tragedy serves as a reminder to drivers about their responsibilities on the road. “He truly may not have known what he hit, but the prosecution pointed out that the crime happened when he did not stop,” she said. “The public needs to be aware that stopping is not optional; it is a legal and moral obligation.”

Compensation for Victims: What’s at Stake?

The emotional toll on Forrest’s family is immeasurable, but they may also face significant financial challenges stemming from medical expenses, funeral costs, and psychological counseling. In cases like this, victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for these damages, as well as for loss of companionship and future income the child might have contributed.

This is where we at Breit Law Attorneys step in to help. Our team of experienced lawyers understands the complexities of such cases and is committed to pursuing justice for families like Forrest’s. We work tirelessly to uphold victims’ rights, and those responsible are held accountable. Our legal expertise and compassionate approach aim to secure the financial relief and peace of mind families deserve during these difficult times.

A Call for Mindful Driving

As the community reflects on this heartbreaking loss, all drivers must remain vigilant and responsible. Humbert’s failure to stop and report the accident underscores the importance of adhering to traffic laws designed to protect lives. By being more mindful and accountable, we can prevent similar tragedies.

Forrest Hooper’s memory is a poignant reminder of what’s at stake when drivers fail to act responsibly. Let us all commit to driving with greater care and ensuring that no other family has to endure such a devastating loss.

It’s important to have experienced wrongful death lawyers on your side when you lose a loved one in a car accident. Call us at 757-828-2377 for a free and confidential case evaluation. You can reach us by phone, text, and online chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Note: Our law office relies on external sources for the content of this post. Although we aim for accuracy, we have not independently verified all facts related to this incident. Should you identify any inaccuracies, please notify Breit Law Attorneys for corrections. Posts will be removed upon request.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for business. The information contained herein is not intended to offer legal or medical advice. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, it is recommended to seek immediate medical assistance. 

Source: WAVY