Natasha Herzog, 29, the Virginia Beach woman accused of killing a pedestrian and seriously injuring another while driving drunk has been convicted on charges related to the case. Herzog will also face additional charges in Circuit Court.
General District Judge Steven Frucci has convicted Herzog of driving under the influence (DUI) and refusing to take a breath test. He also ruled that there is enough evidence for Herzog to be tried in Circuit Court on charges of involuntary manslaughter and malicious wounding.
Herzog, whose previous requests for bond were denied twice, chose to appeal the DUI and breath test refusal convictions to the Circuit Court. She has been described in previous court appearances as a flight risk and a danger to the community.
Herzog struck two pedestrians in November at Town Center while driving drunk. One pedestrian, Hunter Richardson, 23, was killed in the accident and the other, Charlotte Straats, is confined to a wheelchair with serious leg injuries.
This is not the first time that Herzog has been in trouble with the law. In 2000, twice in 2001 and again in 2002 she was charged with driving on a suspended license. She was also charged with reckless driving in 2000 and again in 2004, and failed to show up in court in 2000 and 2004.