Suspect pleads not guilty in hit-and-run that killed 2 women

Henry Haigler, 37, is charged with two felonies in the deadly June 15 crash

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – The man accused of leaving the scene of a crash last month in St. Johns County that killed two cyclists pleaded not guilty Monday afternoon.

Henry Haigler, 37, is charged with two counts of felony hit-and-run in the June 15 crash on Race Track Road that killed 61-year-old Susanne Landino and 53-year-old Bonnie Parry.

Attorney Vanessa Mussellam, who represents Haigler, spoke on her client's behalf. She would not discuss the case, but instead offered her sympathy to the women's families.

"We offer our deepest condolences to the family of Miss Landino and the family of Miss Perry," she said.

If convicted, Haigler faces up to 30 years for each count.

WATCH: Suspect pleads not guilty in hit-and-run that killed 2 cyclists

The 37-year-old, who has a previous DUI conviction, has been free since bonding out of jail last month. 

According to the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, Haigler was linked to the crash based on DNA evidence and front end damage on his vehicle. Deputies said his fog lamp was found at the scene.

In addition, surveillance images show Haigler being in the area at the time of the crash, deputies said. A witness also told investigators he saw the driver get out of his car, get back inside and drive off.

The victims' family members wrote letters to the court ahead of Monday's hearing, expressing their desire to see justice brought in their loved ones' deaths.

"Words cannot describe the turmoil our family is going through because of this horrific accident," Parry's older brother wrote.

"This guy is walking free at this time but my sister (Parry) and her friend Susanne are not and never will be," her sister added.

Haigler is scheduled to be back in court Oct. 1 at 1:30 p.m. for a pretrial hearing.


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