We may never know what Miami-Dade Judge William Thomas was thinking when he sentenced a hit-and-run driver who killed a cyclist to less than one year in jail.
That's a fraction of what the law allows, less time than prosecutors recommended, and a heartbreaking message to the community.
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Family and supporters of Aaron Cohen, the husband and father run down on the Rickenbacker Causeway last year, filled the 4-hour sentencing hearing. The death was the second such tragedy on that causeway.
Michele Traverso, the man responsible was driving with a suspended license and had been at a bar.
He sped away from the dying cyclist and, once home, had his father help cover up his damaged car.
The victim's family call the sentence an injustice.
At the very least, it's a harsh lesson. With his lenient decision, Judge Thomas failed to teach this community serious consequences for those who disregard life and the law.
That's our take on things.
Let us know what you think.