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LaBelle woman gets decade in prison after plea change in fatal crash

By Tomas Rodriguez, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News USA Today Network via Reuters Connect
A growing number of drivers tripling speeds, many of them reaching triple digits is the Florida Highway Patrol's main focus as they begin their yearly operation that focuses on speeding.
A growing number of drivers tripling speeds, many of them reaching triple digits is the Florida Highway Patrol's main focus as they begin their yearly operation that focuses on speeding. Tomas Rodriguez/ The News-Press USA TODAY Network, Reuters

A LaBelle woman reversed her plea in a deadly 2025 hit-and-run crash and will head to prison.

Hope Birkl, 27, on July 13 pleaded no contest to charges of leaving the scene of a deadly crash and vehicular homicide. Lee Circuit Judge Bruce Kyle sentenced her to 10 years in prison, followed by three years of probation.

She remained in custody between June 27, 2025, and March 27, when she was released on $60,000 bond.

The crash took place just past 2 a.m. June 27, 2025, at Lee Boulevard and Hanna Avenue, in Lehigh Acres. A 60-year-old man, whose identity remains redacted in court filings, died at the scene.

Investigators identified the vehicle as a gray Kia. State Troopers located the car on Feb. 23 in a nearby driveway, partially covered by a tarp and with the license plate removed.

Birkl has a history of traffic offenses in Lee County dating back to 2018. Court records indicate she was speeding and ran a stop sign on May 15, 2018, and was arrested when deputies found cocaine and more than 20 grams of marijuana in her vehicle.

She was arrested Jan. 9, 2025, and charged with willful and wanton reckless driving. That charge was dropped when she completed a pre-trial diversion program.

Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@usatodayco.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran, Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews and Bluesky @tomasfrodriguez.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: LaBelle woman gets decade in prison after plea change in fatal crash

Reporting by Tomas Rodriguez, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Fort Myers News-Press

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

This story was originally published July 14, 2026 at 4:12 PM.