MORE: 12-year-old hit and killed by a car while walking to school in Mayport area | Jacksonville woman accused of hitting, killing 12-year-old while on cocaine appears in court
Hunter Cope, 12, was walking to school with friends March 6, 2017, when he was struck and killed at the busy intersection of Wonderwood Drive and A1A.
Police say the driver was Kelley Permenter who is facing a DUI manslaughter charge while under the influence of cocaine and alcohol.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office says Permenter left a hit-and-run scene before hitting the 12-year-old.
Public records show Permenter is a habitual traffic offender.
“I miss you, I love you. Wish you did not have to leave us so soon. & no matter how many times I wish you were gone, but now you are gone, I want you back.“ A sisters message to her brother. 1 yr since Hunter Cope was struck & killed by a driver in Mayport @actionnewsjax at 5:00 pic.twitter.com/GoxNYQTIK3
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) March 6, 2018
She's been cited in the past for unlawful speed, disregard of traffic signals and making loud noises in her car.
One year later Cope’s loved ones returned to the scene to leave balloons to remember him.
His mother, Crystal Clark Valentine, says even though time has passed, coping with the loss of her son isn’t getting any easier.
“I would just wish she (Permenter) would have a little remorse and that’s hard," said Clark Valentine
One of Hunter Cope’s closest friends, Luke Shepard, remembers losing his friend.
“I didn’t think it was real, when I was driving to school it was still happening and somebody said it was a kid named Hunter, I didn’t believe it," said Luke.
Permenter is due back in court in April.
Cox Media Group
