LATONIA, Ky. — Six-year-old Eli Kindt was riding his bike on E. 32nd Street when a stranger’s truck hit him and sped off. His mother, Casey Jones, held his body in her arms until first responders pulled her away.
Christopher Wells, the man convicted of killing him, could face prison time following his Thursday sentencing hearing. However, Jones said Wednesday night the maximum penalty for his crime — leaving the scene of a deadly crash, which is a felony in Kentucky — wouldn’t satisfy her.
“Five years ain’t long at all, especially for taking a life,” she said.
Wells, 45, was arrested the night of the Oct. 6, 2017 hit-and-run at a nearby shopping center.
The year-plus since Eli’s death has been one of grief, silence and change for his family. Jones’ husband, Jason Barns, said Christmas is especially difficult without him.
“I can’t give up,” Jones said. “I have my other two boys, so I try to do it every day, but really, inside, I’m dying.”
Wells will be sentenced in Campbell County court Thursday afternoon.
