Rhode Island Woman Who Texted “I’m in Deep S—” After Killing 85-Year-Old on Morning Walk Pleads No Contest to Hit-and-Run Charge
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND — A 29-year-old Rhode Island woman pleaded no contest this week in a fatal hit-and-run that killed an 85-year-old grandmother who was taking her daily morning walk hand-in-hand with her husband of 53 years.
The driver, Caitlin Kelly, admitted guilt to failing to stop in an accident resulting in death, more than two years after she struck Vanda Makovetskiy with her car and fled the scene. Prosecutors say the beloved couple had walked the same route every morning for 28 years after immigrating from Ukraine in 1995.
Surveillance Video Captured the Fatal Collision and Kelly Driving Away
According to court reporting by WPRI, Kelly was seen on video at 6:14 a.m. on Oct. 4, 2023, stopping at a red light before turning onto North Main Street, where Vanda and her then-93-year-old husband were on their daily walk.
The collision itself — and Kelly’s failure to stop — was captured on camera.
Prosecutors said Kelly continued driving after hitting Vanda, slowed again at the next red light, then drove away from the scene without offering aid.
The Makovetskiys were widely recognized in their neighborhood for their quiet morning walks together. Vanda’s obituary described the couple as “inseparable.”
Driver Sent Texts Minutes After the Crash and Filed a False Insurance Claim
Within minutes of striking Vanda, Kelly texted a friend:
“I just hit someone head-on riding a scooter.”
She also filed an insurance claim shortly after the crash in what prosecutors say was an attempt to cover up her involvement.
Two days later, when investigators towed her car as part of the homicide inquiry, Kelly again texted friends:
“I’m so f—ing scared.”
“I’m in deep s—.”
Prosecutors argued these messages proved she knew she had hit a person, not a scooter, and knowingly chose not to report it.
Widower’s Heartbreaking Statement: “I Couldn’t Imagine Being Left Without My Other Half”
A family spokesperson read emotional statements in court on behalf of the Makovetskiy family, including a message from Vanda’s now 96-year-old husband, Anisim Makovetskiy.
He wrote:
“My plan was completely different. I’m older, and I couldn’t even imagine that I would be left without my other half.”
He added:
“My heart breaks every time people see me alone and remember how they saw us walking together every day.”
Courtroom attendees grew emotional as prosecutors described Vanda as a beloved wife, mother, and neighbor who represented “the best of her community.”
Kelly Sentenced to 10 Years, With 3 to Serve in State Prison
Judge Michael Harwood sentenced Kelly to 10 years in prison, with three years to serve, followed by 10 years of probation. Her driver’s license has been suspended for three years.
Prosecutors said the sentence reflects both the severity of the hit-and-run and Kelly’s attempts to hide her actions.
Kelly showed little emotion as the punishment was handed down.
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