Milwaukee woman confesses to 2022 hit-and-run that killed pedestrian Dana Williams

Chris Ramirez, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Updated ·2 min read
Dana Williams (right), who was fatally struck in a hit-and-run crash on Dec. 22, 2022, in an undated photo with her daughter, Leigh Williams, 32
Dana Williams (right), who was fatally struck in a hit-and-run crash on Dec. 22, 2022, in an undated photo with her daughter, Leigh Williams, 32

A Milwaukee woman now admits she drove the vehicle that killed a pedestrian days before Christmas in 2022 and drove away, failing to help.

Bianca Coleman pleaded guilty Wednesday to a felony charge of hit-and-run involving death in a Dec. 22, 2022, crash that killed Dana Williams.

Milwaukee County prosecutors dismissed a charge of knowingly operating a vehicle while suspended in exchange for the plea, but it will be read into the record at sentencing.

How much time does Bianca Coleman face?

The maximum penalty for the hit-and-run charge, a Class-D felony, is 25 years in prison and $100,000 fine.

Assistant District Attorney Patrick Anderson didn't offer a sentencing recommendation.

Dana Williams, 50, was fatally struck by a motorist in Dec. 22, 2022 as she crossed West Fond du Lac Avenue and North Sherman Boulevard to transfer buses. A Milwaukee woman has been charged with Bianca Coleman, 34, of Milwaukee, faces charges of hit-and-run involving death and knowingly operating a vehicle while suspended in her death.
Dana Williams, 50, was fatally struck by a motorist in Dec. 22, 2022 as she crossed West Fond du Lac Avenue and North Sherman Boulevard to transfer buses. A Milwaukee woman has been charged with Bianca Coleman, 34, of Milwaukee, faces charges of hit-and-run involving death and knowingly operating a vehicle while suspended in her death.

Here's what happened in Dana Williams' death

Williams had just stepped off a city bus at West Fond du Lac Avenue and North Sherman Boulevard, and had tried to transfer to a shuttle bus that was going to take her to the Amazon warehouse center in Oak Creek. She had worked the previous two years as a trainer.

While crossing the street, she was struck by a 2012 BMW X-3, according to a criminal complaint.

The vehicle had a green light. The driver kept going after hitting Williams, the complaint said.

Coleman surrendered to police the next day and she was arrested.

Judge allows Bianca Coleman to stay free until sentencing

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Ellen R. Brostrom agreed to allow Coleman, 35, to remain free on bond until her April 17 sentencing. She sided with defense attorney Rebecca M. Coffee's argument that Coleman, a mother of two young children, wasn't a flight risk because of her strong ties to the community and unblemished attendance for pre-trial hearings.

Coleman posted a $1,000 bond for her release in May.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee woman admits to 2022 hit-and-run that killed Dana Williams