A 77-year-old Bradenton woman was killed in her own front yard while simply getting her mail — struck by a drunk neighbor who then fled the scene.
What Happened
Vicki Noon was standing in her yard at the 5600 block of 11th Avenue West around 1 p.m. when a gold sedan veered off the road and hit her. She was found deceased when Bradenton Police Department arrived.
The Suspect Was Nearby
Police canvassed the neighborhood for security camera footage and tracked down the vehicle. A sergeant spotted the gold sedan at a residence on the 7200 block of 13th Avenue West — within walking distance of where Noon was killed.
The suspect, identified as Beard, was at the residence and cooperated with detectives.
Charges Filed
Beard now faces three serious charges:
- DUI Manslaughter
- Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death
- Tampering With Evidence
He has since been released on bond and is awaiting his next court date.
Family Devastated
Noon was a retired nurse living in a 55-and-up community in Bradenton. Neighbors described her as “very nice” and “community-oriented.”
Her daughter Jennifer Mulholland said her mother’s retirement was stolen from the entire family.
“It was stolen from her, stolen from my father, and stolen from my children — and her soon-to-be great-grandchild,” she said.
Neighbors added that Noon was well known and loved on her street.
— Coverage by thecmeaglet.com
