The heartrending narrative of a Lakota community mourning the loss of 15-year-old Aspen Dylan Runnels, who was struck and killed while traversing a crosswalk by an allegedly distracted driver, has now entered a legal chapter. Kaitlyn Hyde, 26, of Hamilton, is facing a first-degree misdemeanor charge for vehicular homicide after a Butler County grand jury found probable cause for the charge but not for indictment on a felony level, as detailed in court documents obtained by FOX19.

In the incident that has gripped the local community, Hyde was reportedly speeding, estimated at 10 miles over the 20 mph limit in a school zone on Bethany Road, and distracted by a passenger, when her vehicle collided with Runnels, the aftermath of this incident has echoed the concerns of parents over speeding and safety on the bustling road adjoining the Lakota East Freshman Campus. Butler County Prosecutor Mike Gmoser declined to state the press, citing the ongoing nature of the case, which is to be handled by Assistant Prosecutor Lindsay Sheehan, who normally works on felony cases. Hyde, who has cooperated with investigators since the crash on May 15, allegedly told deputies from the Butler County Sheriff’s Office she was adjusting her 3-month-old baby's pacifier when her truck met with the tragic end of young Aspen’s journey, as reported by WLWT.

Should Hyde be convicted, she faces a sentence ranging from a minimum of 15 days up to six months in jail, and her misdemeanor could carry additional penalties, including a license suspension ranging between one to five years and a fine up to $1,000, the tragic ripple effects of a moment's distraction promise broad societal introspections on the responsibilities tethered to piloting two tons of steel and speed.

In the wake of this tragedy, Aspen’s mother shared on social media a poignant call to "sing and dance to Taylor Swift, strike up a conversation with a stranger, and be kind to each other", in remembrance of her son, further stating, "Let his infectious smile and beautiful soul live on through each of us", a statement obtained by FOX19. A narrative emerges one where Hyde—with two prior at-fault crashes since 2017, according to her driving record from the Ohio Department of Public Safety—must now navigate the consequences of a legal system and a community. No court date has been set for Hyde, who will not be arrested but is expected to receive a summons to appear before a judge.