Delivery driver charged in death of pedestrian while driving with suspended license

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Milwaukee man is facing charges for allegedly knowingly operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license and causing the death of a pedestrian on March 30.

A criminal complaint says 27-year-old Latrell Katherine was driving eastbound on W. Capitol Drive when he struck Tesa Steele, who was crossing the street.

Steele reportedly sustained multiple blunt force injuries, including skull fractures, abrasions, contusions and cerebral contusions, which officials say are injuries consistent with being struck by a motor vehicle. She later died from her injuries at Froedtert Hospital.

Katherine admitted to driving a gray Chevrolet Malibu while working as a DoorDash delivery driver despite never having a driver's license. When questioned about how he could work for DoorDash without a license, Katherine stated that the app allowed him to choose between using a bike or a car for deliveries, and he always indicated he was using a bicycle.

Katherine's driver's license privileges had been suspended since Feb. 11, 2021, due to unpaid fines. He had also been convicted of operating while suspended on three prior occasions.

Upon conviction, Katherine could face up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

A $2,000 bond was set for Katherine on Wednesday, April 5. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, April 11.