Sonoma County, CA — On the morning of Monday, September 28, Shannon Skilling, 43, of Petaluma was found dead after a hit-and-run in which DUI is suspected, leading to the arrest of Daniel Kain, 29, of Santa Rosa, according to KRON.
The California Highway Patrol stated that on the night of Sunday, September 27, they received a report of someone having run over a bicycle lying in the middle of Guerneville Road, in an area of rural residences, vineyards, and apple orchards in wine country.
Around 7:44 AM the next day, Skilling’s body was found in a ditch on Guerneville Road over a mile west, near Frei Road, which investigators believed to be connected to the bicycle found earlier.
Further investigations determined that Skilling seemed to have been riding the bicycle or walking alongside it on Guerneville Road when she was fatally struck by a white Ford Ranger that had been traveling eastbound. Afterward, the victim’s bicycle appeared to have been moved, either by being purposefully relocated or becoming tangled in the vehicle.
Upon receiving a tip from another resident of Santa Rosa, authorities found a damaged Ford Ranger parked on Pawnee Street. It was allegedly connected to Kain, who authorities discovered at a convenience store on Steele Lane and took into custody.
Kain was arrested on Wednesday, October 7, and booked into the Sonoma County Jail on charges of felony hit-and-run resulting in death and felony driving under the influence.
The CHP is continuing to investigate this fatal hit-and-run and requests that anyone who may have additional information contact them at the CHP Santa Rosa Area office.
Sonoma County Fatal Hit-and-Runs and Wrongful Death Claims
California law requires drivers to remain with anyone injured in a collision, assist them in finding medical care, and cooperate with authorities. Failure to do so may be charged as a felony. If convicted of the charges stated above, Kain may be determined to have committed “negligence per se.” That means that, in legal terms, someone who violates traffic safety laws is presumed negligent and may be found liable for any injuries resulting from the crash.
Regardless of the outcome of any criminal proceedings, however, Skilling’s family may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim with the at-fault party’s insurance provider. While no amount of money can bring a lost loved one back, a wrongful death claim can help hold accountable those responsible by providing compensation for damages such as funeral expenses and the loss of companionship and support the deceased provided.
Sonoma County Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been affected by an accident like the fatal hit-and-run collision on Guerneville Road in Sonoma County, consider reaching out to a California wrongful death lawyer with any questions and to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation.
