DUI suspect wants to go to church

Karlie Tomica charged in Stefano Riccioletti's death

MIAMI – The woman accused in the fatal hit-and-run of a South Beach chef wants to be able to attend church.

Karlie Tomica is currently on house arrest. She faces several charges, including DUI manslaughter, in Stefano Riccioletti's death.

Mark Shapiro, who represents Tomica, submitted a motion Tuesday requesting she be allowed to attend mass at St. Patrick's Church in Miami Beach on Sundays.

"We don't think anyone will object to her attending religious services," said Shapiro.

The judge reserved ruling until she received more specific details. Tomica didn't appear in court for the hearing.

According to court documents, Tomica, 20, had a blood alcohol content between 0.208 and 0.225 when her blood was drawn two hours after the crash that killed Riccioletti. She also had a 24-year-old woman's Florida driver license and several cards with bartending quotes.

Police credited Jairo Fuentes, a Good Samaritan who called 911 and followed the car that hit Riccioletti, with helping them make an arrest.

Riccioletti was the executive chef at Terrazza at the Shore Club. Police say Tomica was leaving Nikki Beach Club, where she worked as a part-time bartender, when she hit Riccioletti.

An attorney representing Riccioletti's 19-year-old son Jacopo filed a wrongful death complaint against Tomica and Penrod Brothers, Inc, the owner of Nikki Beach Club.

Tomica has pleaded not guilty to the charges she faces. Her next hearing is scheduled for August 26.