Florida Woman Accused of Dragging Grandfather 87 Feet in Deadly Hit-and-Run, Then Reporting to McDonald’s Shift as Victim Lay in Brooksville Road

BROOKSVILLE, FLORIDA — A 45-year-old woman is accused of striking a man with her SUV, dragging him nearly 90 feet, and then continuing on to her job at McDonald’s while the victim lay dead in the roadway.

Kerri Walden has been charged with hit-and-run causing death in connection with the April 15, 2025 crash that killed 45-year-old Jacob Mull, according to a Florida Highway Patrol arrest report.

Early Morning Collision at Busy Intersection

Troopers say the incident happened just after 4 a.m. at the intersection of Wiscon Road and California Street in Brooksville.

According to investigators, Walden was stopped at a traffic light in her Dodge Durango when the signal turned green. As she began driving west on Wiscon Road, she allegedly struck Mull, who was crossing the street.

Authorities say Mull was dragged approximately 87 feet before Walden continued driving away from the scene.

Drove to Work Instead of Calling 911

After the collision, Walden allegedly drove about three miles to a local McDonald’s, where she began her work shift.

Mull was later discovered dead in the roadway.

Using traffic cameras, troopers tracked Walden’s vehicle to the fast-food restaurant. Investigators noted that the SUV’s front bumper was missing and that there was visible blood underneath the vehicle.

According to the arrest report, Walden later told officers she knew she had “hit something” but believed it may have been a deer.

Bumper Placed in Back Seat

Troopers say Walden pulled into a nearby 7-Eleven after the crash and placed the detached front bumper into the back seat of her vehicle. Authorities state she never contacted 911 or reported the collision.

Investigators later determined that blood found on the SUV matched Mull’s DNA.

Walden was arrested Monday and booked into the Hernando County Jail. As of Tuesday morning, she was being held on a $5,000 bond.

Victim Remembered by Family

Jacob Mull was described as a father of three and grandfather of two. A GoFundMe page created in his memory describes him as “a kind-hearted, gentle soul” who loved his family deeply.

The case remains under investigation.

As with all criminal cases, Walden is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

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