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Driver in deadly Thanksgiving crash in Cape Coral has 39 traffic violations in past

Posted at 10:31 PM, Nov 27, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-27 22:31:35-05

A Four in Your Corner investigation revealed one of the drivers in a deadly crash on Thanksgiving in Cape Coral has 39 prior traffic violations on his record.

No one has been charged in this crash and Cape Coral Police say there is an ongoing criminal investigation.

On Thanksgiving, Cape Coral Police say 32-year-old Kennya Gonzalez Ojeda was driving down Veterans Memorial Parkway near Country Club Boulevard when Kenneth Graves' white Ford Mustang lost traction, went airborne and hit her car.

Gonzalez Ojeda's cousin, Jesus Nuñez, remembers her appetite for adventure and kind nature.

"Kennya genuinely had the biggest heart out of quite literally anybody I've ever met," Nuñez said.

He said Kennya was on her way to her boyfriend's house to celebrate Thanksgiving when the crash happened.

"Obliterated. The car was decimated," Nuñez said.

Gonzalez Ojeda was on life support for two days before she died.

"You don't think it's real. You're left hanging. You're in midair. It's like you're free-falling for the next day and a half," Nuñez said. "I miss her already."

Looking at Graves' record, Nuñez said he wondered why he was allowed to drive.

"I think there's a lot of stuff that happens and I don't understand why, and I think him being able to drive is one of those things," Nuñez said.

Records show Graves had 39 traffic infractions from not having his license or registration on him while driving, to moving violations like speeding in a school zone, running red lights, and careless driving.

Attorney Scot Goldberg, who's not associated with the case, says while the record may seem scary, it's not enough to suspend a license.

"Legally, if he's met all the requirements to get a license in the state of Florida, they're entitled to a driver's license. But in general, someone like this shouldn't be driving," he said.

Goldberg said it may be time to reevaluate how Florida licenses drivers.

Gonzalez Ojeda's family has started a GoFundMe page to raise money for funeral costs.

"I'm trying my hardest to muster up forgiveness for this guy. To what ever degree, I think I can forgive him," Nuñez said.