Mother charged with murder for a DUI crash that killed her young daughter

APOPKA, FL – A Central Florida mother found herself at the center of a courtroom drama this week in Volusia County, facing serious allegations after a fatal car crash in September. The accident, which unfolded on State Road 429, has left a community in mourning and a family devastated.

Katelyn Switkowski, shackled and clad in an orange jumpsuit, stood before the judge on Wednesday, charged with a litany of offenses. Among them are aggravated manslaughter of a child and DUI manslaughter, alongside vehicular homicide, child neglect with great bodily harm, and DUI causing serious injury.

The crash resulted in the heartbreaking loss of Switkowski’s four-year-old daughter, while another child in the vehicle suffered severe injuries. The emotional weight of the tragedy was palpable as family members shared photos, capturing happier times now overshadowed by loss.

Authorities apprehended Switkowski on Tuesday during an unrelated court hearing in Volusia County. The charges, filed in Orange County, reflect the grave nature of the incident and the alleged actions leading up to it.

In court, the judge assigned a $10,000 bond for the aggravated manslaughter charge and $5,000 for DUI manslaughter, culminating in a total bond of $17,500. These figures underscore the severity of the charges she faces.

The case has sent ripples through the community, with many expressing their sorrow and support for the family. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of impaired driving and the irreversible consequences it can bring.

As the case progresses, the pursuit of justice remains a priority, with the community closely following each development. The proceedings highlight the critical importance of accountability on the road, particularly when young lives are at stake.

Support continues to pour in for the grieving family, as they navigate the aftermath of the tragedy. The court case is set to continue, drawing attention to the broader implications of such devastating incidents.