JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The woman accused of killing a Mandarin mother during a crash on the Buckman Bridge last month appeared in court Monday morning.
Sasha Pringle, 31, entered a not guilty plea during her arraignment.
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Pringle is accused of hitting 41-year-old Luma Kajy's SUV and sending her over the bridge. Kajy's SUV plummeted 100 feet and into the St. Johns River.
Pringle is charged with DUI manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.
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Luma Kajy's husband, Paul Kajy, was in court Monday and talked to Channel 4 about how his children are coping and why he's committed to being in the courtroom every step of the process.
"Just to be here, make sure justice is done," Kajy said.
While Kajy said he hopes the justice system does the right thing at trial, his main focus is on helping his sons adjust to life without their mom, something he said has been especially hard on one of his children.
"He found out I was coming down today, and I'm not going to tell you what he wants me to do to her," Kajy said. "His question was, 'Do I have to forgive her? I said, 'Are you a Christian?' He said, 'Yeah.' I said, 'Well go talk to Father John.'"
In late February, shortly after the crash, Kajy's 10-year-old son said how special his mom was to him.
"My mom was the best mom you could possibly have," Benjamin Kajy said. "We'll miss her the rest of our lives."
The Kajy family said it has a sense of closure, thanks to a witness who followed Pringle for miles before and after the crash and called 911. Steve Kohn said he witnessed her driving erratically for some time.
Pringle has several driving violations on her record dating back to 2008. Paul Kajy said he wonders if she should have been allowed to keep driving. But right now, he's concerned with getting justice for his wife.
"I just hope they throw the book at her," he said.
Pringle remains in jail on $1 million bond. She's expected in court again on April 15.
A group of local musicians are holding a concert in memory of Luma Kajy. It will be held April 18 at Jack Rabbits on Hendricks Avenue. Doors will open at 1 p.m. All proceeds will go to Kajy's family.