Update: High Springs woman arrested in Columbia County fatal hit-and-run

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Update (Monday, 1:10 p.m.) A 30-year-old High Springs woman was arrested in the fatal hit-and-run that killed an 8-year-old Lake City cyclist riding along US Highway 90 on Friday.

According to a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) release, law enforcement arrested Kenia Gonzalez, 30, of High Springs and charged her with leaving the scene of a crash involving a death and for making a false police report.

Kenia Gonzalez. Courtesy of Columbia County Detention Center
Courtesy of Columbia County Detention Center Kenia Gonzalez

The original suspect, Julio Casar Marquez, 38, of Miami, was originally arrested and charged with failing to remain at a crash involving a death, and Marquez is now being charged with accessory after the fact and knowingly giving false information to a law enforcement officer (LEO).

The charges come after Marquez claimed to be the driver during the fatal collision. His statement was initially corroborated by his wife, Gonzalez. Both provided the information with a post-Miranda statement.

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After receiving conflicting information, investigators determined and confirmed that Gonzalaz and Marquez fabricated their original statements and discovered Marquez was actually at work during the time of the crash. Using surveillance video footage, investigators proved that Gonzalez was operating the vehicle during the time of the crash.

Julio Cesar Marquez. Courtesy of Columbia County Detention Center
Courtesy of Columbia County Detention Center Julio Cesar Marquez.

Original story (posted at 10:37 a.m.)Columbia County law enforcement arrested a 38-year-old Miami man who hit and killed an 8-year-old Lake City cyclist riding along US Highway 90.

According to a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) release, Columbia County law enforcement arrested Julio Cesar Marquez, 38, of Miami, after driving eastbound on US 90 at 6:47 p.m. on Friday, Jan.31, and hit a Lake City girl riding a pedalcycle eastbound on US 90. Marquez fled the scene.

Emergency responders transported the girl to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. Marquez was located and arrested. He is charged with hit-and-run and failure to stop and remain at a crash involving a death.

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Harry Jones

Is “ICE ” on the way???