Posted in Felonies on February 14, 2014
Kalista Andino, the live-in girlfriend of Brandon Smith, the man facing charges for a hit-and-run in Vancouver that killed two women, is being allowed to live with relations of the accused even though there is a court order requiring that she and other witnesses in the case have no contact with each other.
Andino and Linda Smith, the mother of the accused, are suspected of tampering with witnesses in the vehicular homicide case. Against the wishes of the senior deputy prosecutor and a supervised release officer, the judge has given Andino permission to live with Brandon Smith’s sister-in-law’s parents. Andino’s Vancouver defense attorney said that Andino has been living in the apartment she shared with Smith and her 6-month-old daughter, but she can no longer afford the apartment and has safety concerns because of possible backlash from the public. The address has been widely published in the media. Andino has been unable to find any other living arrangements.
Andino will be living with Terry and Maryanna Belland, who both testified that they have only met Andino a few times at family gatherings. Terry Belland, a retired police detective, said that he would attempt to prevent contact between Andino and other witnesses. The senior deputy prosecutor explained that he objected to the living arrangement because it could leave Andino vulnerable to the influence of Smith’s family. He argued that the progression of the investigation has been hindered by Andino and other witnesses refusing to cooperate, and that if she cannot find somewhere to live other than with Smith’s relatives she should be lodged in jail. Her supervised release officer agreed with the prosecutor.
The judge told Andino that if she violated the no contact order she would be put back in jail, and the Bellands could be prosecuted if they allow or assist in any prohibited contact.
Vancouver police identified Brandon Smith as the driver of a white pickup truck that hit and killed Raisa Mosh, 45, and Irina Gardinant, 28, in a crosswalk at about 8 p.m. on January 19. Mosh’s 12-year-old son was also severely injured. Smith allegedly fled the scene without calling 911 or trying to help the victims.
Source: The Columbian, “Vehicular homicide witness allowed to live with suspect’s family,” Paris Achen, February 14, 2014.
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