Driver in Fatal Rickenbacker Causeway Hit and Run in Court
The suspect in a hit and run crash on the Rickenbacker Causeway that killed a cyclist was in court Friday for unrelated drug charge proceedings. Michele Traverso, 25, appeared before Miami-Dade Drug Court Judge Deborah White-Labora for ongoing proceedings related to previous cocaine and marijuana possession charges. Traverso took a drug test at court, which he passed. "There has been a lot of speculation about my client so in order to address that I ordered the most comprehensive test and he is perfectly clean," Traverso's attorney, Ramon de la Cabada said. "He was in rehab and was doing great."
Cyclist in Rickenbacker Hit and Run Dies, Driver Arrested
Aaron Cohen, 36, who was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital following the Wednesday morning crash, died of his injuries Thursday, officials said. Miami Police say 25-year-old Michele Traverso turned himself in late Wednesday night with his attorney after officers found his badly damaged car. In bond court Thursday afternoon, the driving with a suspended license charge was dismissed, but Traverso was ordered held overnight on a separate marijuana possession charge. His bond was set at $10,000 for the leaving the scene of an accident charge and he will appear in court Friday to face the drug possession charge. “My client feels horrible about what happened,” said Traverso’s attorney, Ramon de la Cabada.
During a hearing Monday, Traverso's attorney was granted a continuance by Judge William Thomas, who set the trial date for July 9.
Cohen's wife, Patti, attended Monday's hearing and was asked by Thomas if the family would approve a plea deal that would see Traverso receive a sentence below the 30-year maximum.
Patti Cohen said she would like to see Traverso sentenced to the full 30 years.
"It's very difficult for us, it's a very difficult time, but I did appreciate what the judge said," Cohen said after the hearing. "I now understand that when it comes to trial he really is going to, we are going to have an opportunity to really tell him and explain what an exceptional person Aaron was."
Police say Aaron Cohen was with a group of cyclists who were heading to Key Biscayne on the eastbound side of the causeway when they were struck near the William Powell Bridge.
After Traverso struck Cohen, he fled the scene, police said. Cohen died from his injuries the next day. Traverso later turned himself in to authorities.
At a hearing in March, Traverso was ordered held without bond because the accident occurred while he was on probation for an unrelated drug charge. During a court appearance two days after the crash, Traverso took a drug test, which he passed.
Traverso's attorney has said the only crime his client committed was leaving a scene.
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