Office of The State Attorney, Fifth Judicial Circuit, Florida
Serving the Citizens of Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter Counties
Office of The State Attorney, Fifth Judicial Circuit, Florida
Serving the Citizens of Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter Counties

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INVERNESS MAN FOUND GUILTY FOR FATAL 2021 HIT AND RUN

(Citrus County, FL) Yesterday, the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office secured a guilty verdict in the fatal hit-and-run case against 37-year-old Mark Anthony Wieder. Jurors deliberated for nearly 45 minutes before finding Wieder guilty on charges of failing to stop at a crash involving a death and leaving a crash involving property damages.

“The gravity of a fatal hit and run cannot be overstated. Tragedies like that of Kathryn Gosman, not only result in the loss of a precious life but leave families shattered,” commented William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “Those responsible will eventually recognize the seriousness of their actions and should prepare to face the full consequences of such.”

Wieder was originally arrested by Florida Highway Patrol troopers on April 7, 2022, following an incident on February 25, 2021, when 45-year-old Kathryn Gosman tragically lost her life in a hit-and-run on South Cascade Avenue. The victim, a dedicated worker at Angelo’s Pizzaria, was delivering pizzas to support her ill mother when she was fatally struck and left over 100 feet from the original impact site.

The Florida Highway Patrol’s investigation revealed that Wieder’s vehicle, a GMC Sierra pickup, exhibited damage consistent with the crash. Paint transfer analysis further linked the vehicle to Wieder’s GMC Envoy.

During the investigation, Wieder claimed he thought he had hit a deer. He failed to stop to inspect the damages and continued to a store without reporting the incident to authorities. The diligent work of FHP Corporal Brian Dokendorf subsequently led to Wieder’s arrest on April 7, 2023.

Mark Anthony Wieder is scheduled for sentencing on December 29, 2023.

This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Blake Shore and Tara Hartman.