🚨 Over a YEAR later… and the family STILL can’t get full justice.

What really happened that night on a busy Sarasota street? A 72-year-old driver plowed into Taeler Joy Bennett and her two tiny boys—k!lling the kids instantly, leaving mom in a coma for months… only for her to pass away too.

The driver fled the scene, got arrested weeks later, bonded out fast—and charges were only “upgraded” AFTER mom died.

This heartbreaking case has hidden twists that keep getting stranger… and the fight for real accountability rages on. You won’t believe what the family is still dealing with today.

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More than a year after a devastating hit-and-run crash claimed the lives of two young children and, months later, their mother, the family of Taeler Joy Bennett continues to push for full justice amid what they describe as frustrating delays and unresolved questions surrounding the case.

The tragedy unfolded on the evening of February 10, 2025, around 8:30 p.m. at the intersection of North Washington Boulevard (U.S. 301) and 7th Street in Sarasota. Taeler Joy Bennett, then 29, was crossing the street with her family—including her partner Donzel Galliher and their four children—when a white Lexus ES300 struck Bennett and two of her sons: 2-year-old Rio Galliher and 5-month-old Kiylan Galliher.

Rio and Kiylan died at the scene from their injuries. Bennett, who was reportedly holding her infant son at the time of impact, suffered critical injuries including a traumatic brain injury. She was placed in a medically induced coma and remained hospitalized for weeks. Her two other children, daughters who were not struck, were unharmed but left grieving the loss of their brothers.

Sarasota Police Department investigators quickly identified the vehicle through evidence at the scene, including debris and witness accounts. The driver was later named as June Fenton, 72, of Sarasota. Fenton initially cooperated with authorities but left the scene without stopping to render aid or contacting emergency services, prompting hit-and-run charges.

Fenton was arrested on March 3, 2025—nearly three weeks after the crash—and charged with two counts of leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death and one count of leaving the scene causing serious bodily injury. She posted bond the following day and was released. Family members expressed outrage at the arrest timing and bond decision, with some publicly stating, “How dare you,” in reference to Fenton’s actions and the perceived leniency.

Bennett fought for her life over the following months. Family updates via GoFundMe described her battling pneumonia, a developing staph infection from ventilator use, and poor neurological progress despite reflexes and posturing. She never regained consciousness. On April 11, 2025, family and friends confirmed Bennett had passed away in hospice care from complications of her injuries sustained in the crash.

Following Bennett’s death, the 12th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office announced that charges against Fenton would be enhanced. State Attorney Ed Brodsky stated the original counts of leaving the scene causing serious injury would be upgraded to include causing death, reflecting the fatalities of all three victims. As of early 2026, the case remains in the pretrial phase, with no trial date publicly confirmed.

The family has maintained an active Facebook page titled “Justice for Taeler, Rio & Kiylan,” where they share updates, memories, and calls for accountability. Posts describe Rio as a lively toddler who loved trucks, swimming, the beach, and digging in the dirt, while Kiylan was remembered for rolling over, cuddling with his mom, and laughing with family. Supporters have organized fundraisers and vigils, emphasizing the profound loss to the blended family.

Several elements of the case have fueled public discussion and family frustration. The nearly three-week gap between the crash and Fenton’s arrest raised questions about investigative pace, though police noted they matched vehicle evidence and conducted thorough follow-up. Fenton’s quick release on bond after her arrest drew criticism from victims’ advocates, who argue that fleeing a scene resulting in multiple deaths warrants higher pretrial restrictions.

Bennett’s prolonged coma and eventual death added layers of grief. Family members described the emotional toll of waiting months for any sign of recovery, only to face another loss. Some online commentary has questioned whether earlier intervention or different medical decisions might have changed the outcome, though medical experts note that severe traumatic brain injuries often carry poor prognoses despite aggressive care.

The intersection where the crash occurred—North Washington Boulevard and 7th Street—has been flagged in local discussions as a high-traffic area with pedestrian challenges. Sarasota officials have not announced specific infrastructure changes tied to this incident, but community advocates continue to call for improved crosswalks, lighting, and traffic calming measures in similar corridors.

Legal observers note that Florida law treats leaving the scene of a crash involving death or serious injury as a serious felony. Enhanced charges could carry significant prison time if Fenton is convicted, though outcomes depend on evidence, including any potential defenses related to the driver’s age, medical condition, or circumstances at the time. Fenton has not publicly commented beyond initial cooperation statements.

The Galliher and Bennett families have spoken publicly about the ongoing pain. Relatives have said the crash “brought the family closer together” in some ways but left deep anger over the loss and perceived slow pace of justice. One family member told local media they “won’t stop working for justice,” vowing to attend court proceedings and keep the victims’ stories alive.

Community response in Sarasota has included candlelight vigils and social media campaigns honoring the three victims. Obituaries and memorials highlight the children’s innocence and Bennett’s role as a devoted mother. A GoFundMe established early in the ordeal to support medical costs and family needs has drawn donations from across the country, including from Cincinnati-area supporters where some family ties exist.

As the case approaches the two-year mark since the crash, questions linger about final resolution. Prosecutors have emphasized pursuing the strongest charges possible given the facts, but the family continues to express that full accountability remains elusive. Public interest persists, with many following updates and calling for swift proceedings.

The Sarasota Police Department maintains the investigation is closed from an evidentiary standpoint, with all findings turned over to prosecutors. No additional suspects have been named, and authorities have ruled out foul play beyond the hit-and-run allegations.

For the surviving family members—now raising the two daughters without their mother and brothers—the focus remains on remembrance and advocacy. They describe Rio and Kiylan as bundles of joy whose absence is felt daily, and Taeler as a fighter who never gave up. As legal proceedings move forward, the family hopes the courts will deliver the justice they say has been too long in coming.