Hit-and-run victim's family not satisfied by plea deal

ST. PETERSBURG (FOX 13) - The man who investigators say hit and killed a 20-year-old girl with his truck will soon learn his fate.

Sterling Hubbard will be sentenced Friday at the Pinellas County Justice Center.

Emma Keown died in that accident in May of 2015. It happened on Gulf Boulevard near Madeira Beach. Police say Keown was skateboarding at the time. 

Her friends, who witnessed the accident, told police Hubbard got out of his truck - had apparently saw what he had done - then took off. Deputies arrested Hubbard weeks later.

Emma’s father, Doug Keown, says they expect dozens of people to show up for tomorrow’s sentencing in support of his daughter. He plans on reading a letter, addressing the court in what’s called a victim impact statement.

“How do you do that,” Keown said. “Shame on you, [Hubbard] for leaving.”

Hubbard will plead guilty to leaving the scene of an accident causing death. Instead of going to trial where he could get 30 years jail time if convicted, Hubbard struck a deal with prosecutors. He’ll plead guilty and get a maximum of 14 years.

Emma’s daughter is concerned Hubbard could get an even lighter sentence, saying his attorney will argue he has mental health issues.

“It’s very frustrating,” Keown said. “14 years, if that. The would have probably lived to be 80.”

Hubbard’s attorney declined comment.