Family remembers Pueblo mother killed in suspected drunk hit-and-run

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) - On May 9th, 2026, at approximately 1:55 a.m., officers were dispatched to a report of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle in the 400 block of East 4th Street, 4th Street Bridge, according to the Pueblo Police Department (PPD).

Police say when officers got there, they found the victim, later identified as Krystin Michelle Schletter, who was pronounced deceased on the scene. The suspect vehicle was identified as a Toyota Camry, which had left the scene prior to officers’ arrival, explained police.

Officers say they located the suspect vehicle, and the driver was identified as Lariah Escajeda. Escajeda was arrested for Vehicular Homicide (DUI), Driving Under the Influence-alcohol or drugs, Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Death and Careless Driving, according to police.

KRDO13 spoke with the family of 40-year-old Krystin Michelle Schletter. They say she was a loving mother and meant the world to her family. Her daughter says Schletter was the most generous and would do anything to help anyone.

"She'd give you the shoes off her feet. If that means you'd have some even if she couldn't. My mom was a giver, not a receiver," explained Naveah Lewis, Krystin Schletter's daughter.

Cecilia Schletter, Krystin's mother, voiced her anguish and desire for accountability.

"She took my beautiful daughter away from me. And she didn't even care. She didn't help; she just took off. What kind of person is that? I want her to get life in prison. She deserves to go to prison for life. For killing my daughter. My beautiful daughter. I won't see any more." Cecilia Schletter, Krystin Schletter's mother, said.

Schletter's daughter, Naveah Lewis, expressed her profound loss and cherished memories of her mother.

"I'm just really glad she was able to be my mom, and I wouldn't want any other mom in the world ever," Naveah said.

Both filled with emotion, Lewis explained how her grandmother, Cecilia Schletter, should not have to bury her youngest daughter. She says it's unfair and should be the other way around.

She issued a plea to the public against impaired driving.

"Please don't drink and drive cause somebody can call an Uber. Walk even if you can't," Naveah urged.

The family is urging community members to come together and support their fight for justice. They ask that anyone willing come to court in support of Krystin Schletter.

"I will go to heaven and hell to get justice for my mom. And if that means that I have to spend thousands of dollars to find the best lawyers to do anything," Naveah declared.

They say no matter what, the gap left in their life now can't be filled. They say Krystin's smile would brighten the room, and her conversations would uplift others. Schletter says Krystin was a hard worker and that she had the best personality, leaving a lasting impact on all she met.

"We're going to miss her more than anything in this world," said Krystin's mother.

A verified GoFundMe has been created to support the family during this time.

Escajeda is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.

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