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Man granted bond on hit-and-run that took teenager’s life

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HENRICO, Va. (WTVR)—Five weeks ago, 18-year-old Kara Lengyel was killed by a hit-and-run driver while crossing Patterson Avenue, at Pump Road. Today the man charged in her death was granted bond. 

Kara was struck and killed by a passing car and died later in the hospital from her injuries. Reginald Addo, age 33, was charged with the crime and fleeing the scene.

Addo is charged with felony hit and run, and driving with a suspended license. He was granted bond Tuesday morning in Henrico Circuit Court.

"I was appalled and I think everybody there was surprised," said Jim Lengyel, Kara’s father.

Addo was ordered by the judge to stay with his brother while on bond, continue to work at his job and to pay $2,500 dollars for his release.

"It's really not fair at all and it’s not really safe for other people in the community for him to be out," said Lengyel.

Records indicate Addo was out on a misdemeanor bond at the time of the fatal hit and run.

Legal analyst Todd Stone claimed this decision to grant a bond is not an unusual one.

"When you're presumed innocent before a trial, there's sort of a presumption that you should be allowed bond," said Stone. 
 
Stone contends the decision by the judge is based on whether Addo is a significant flight risk and a danger to the public. He claims it should not be interpreted as a precursor to what may happen in trial.

"This should not be translated to have any value to the victim's life," said Stone.

Addo has not yet been released from the Henrico County Jail. His next court appearance is for a pre-trial hearing on July 16.  

A roadside memorial was erected at the spot where Kara died. Whether he passes her roadside memorial or not, Lengyel said he thinks of his Kara’s death nearly all the time.

"Every day, every morning, every afternoon, every evening, it's something that I think about," said Lengyel.

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