Lafayette hit-and-run driver pleads guilty; sentencing in September

LAFAYETTE, Ind. ― Kylee Robyn Neal admitted to being the driver who struck and killed 61-year-old Kathy Hicks about 3 a.m. Nov. 26, 2023 , according to a plea agreement accepted Tuesday after a change-of-plea hearing, according to court documents.

Hicks had just left the Franciscan Health East Hospital just before 3 a.m. on Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend after receiving care . She walked toward Creasy Lane, when she was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver, according to the Tippecanoe County Coroner's Office and Lafayette police.

More: Woman killed in hit-and-run accident on Creasy Lane

A patrol officer who minutes earlier had seen Hicks walking in front of the hospital found Hicks lying dead in the northbound lanes of Creasy Lane about 3:03 a.m. Nov. 26.

Neal, 46, of Lafayette, admitted to leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, a Level 4 felony, and being a habitual offender. A charge of violating the conditions of her specialized driving privileges will be dismissed at the time of sentencing on Sept. 16.

More: Update on Sunday's two death investigations

Neal agreed to abide by the court's sentence and cannot appeal the sentence, according to the plea agreement.

The plea specifies that no fewer than 16 years of her sentence will be served in prison, according to her plea agreement. Any time above 16 years ― up to 20 years ― will be served at either a prison, community corrections or on probation.

More: Prosecutors charge Lafayette woman with November hit-and-run fatality on Creasy Lane

If her sentence exceeds 20 years, the portion above 20 years will be served on community corrections or probation, according to the plea agreement.

Neal's jury trial was scheduled to begin July 30 until she pleaded guilty Tuesday.

Neal will be sentenced at 10 a.m. Sept. 16 in Tippecanoe Superior 2.

Reach Ron Wilkins at rwilkins@jconline.com. Follow on Twitter: @RonWilkins2.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Lafayette hit-and-run driver pleads guilty; sentencing in September