Mother of hit-and-run victim speaks to FOX 35 following arrest

Mother of hit-and-run victim speaks to FOX 35

The man accused of running down his girlfriend in a Lake Mary hit-and-run incident is behind bars. Toivontae Williams was taken into custody without incident on a charge of first-degree murder in the death of Katrina Redden, 39, of Sanford. Redden's mother spoke exclusively with FOX 35 News about the arrest.

LAKE MARY, Fla. - The Lake Mary Police Department has made an arrest in a deadly hit-and-crash that happened just over a week ago.

Toivontae Williams, 27, was taken into custody without incident on a charge of first-degree murder in the death of Katrina Redden, 39, of Sanford.

Investigators said the incident happened on May 24, around 11 p.m., near North Country Club Boulevard and Old Lake Mary Road in Lake Mary. Lake Mary Police later identified the victim as Redden. They said Williams was her boyfriend.

FOX 35 was the only station to sit down and learn more about Redden through her mother, Rownie Crumity.

"Just a beautiful person inside and out," Crumity said of her daughter.

She added that Katrina was a giving woman who would try to help a lot of people, including Wiliams. Crumity said she was a sweet, great mother whose smile and laugh will never be forgotten.

"They laughed together, they joked together and she just, she loved her kids," the victim’s mother said.

Throughout our conversation with Crumity, it was evident she was a strong woman, described a "spiritual."

"It’s hurting. That’s my child. I loved my child and she had kids," Crumity said.

While it hurts, she said that she has others for which she must be strong. She also doesn’t want to harbor anger either.

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Redden was the mother of four children, with ages ranging from 14 to 21. Earlier Thursday, Lake Mary’s Chief of Police gave his condolences on behalf of the department.

"To Miss Redden’s family and friends, you have all of our condolences. We are hopeful that the arrest of Mr. Williams will help you with the loss of Katrina," said Chief Michael L. Biles.

Investigators said they have been talking with Williams since the crash. It took until June 3 before detectives had enough evidence to arrest and charge Williams. Though, Lake Mary Police said Williams still has not confessed to the hit and run.

"We have spoken to him several times over the past eight days and he was given the opportunity to speak to us today, which he refused," Chief Biles said.

FOX 35 News asked Crumity if she had questions or was angry with Williams, to which she replied, no.

"Justice will prevail and it has," Crumity said, "and I know we still have a ways to go."

Instead of being upset or mad, Crumity said she has forgiven Williams and has found peace.

"I know where my baby is at, so I am satisfied I will see her again," she said.

Redden’s family said they are doing okay, given the circumstances. They said they will miss Katrina’s meals the most because she was a fabulous cook.

They plan to celebrate her life this Friday and Saturday.

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