Fugitive from 2020 Fatal DUI Crash Extradited to St. Croix

A fugitive involved in a fatal DUI crash in 2020 has been extradited from Texas to St. Croix, bringing a long-standing case closer to resolution. Kaley L. Lund, a 32-year-old Colorado woman, was arrested in Corpus Christi, Texas, by U.S. Marshals and local authorities. She was flown back to St. Croix last Thursday under the custody of the Virgin Islands Department of Justice (VIDOJ) and appeared before Judge Yolan Brow-Ross for an Advice of Rights hearing the following day.

Lund had previously pleaded guilty in March 2020 to involuntary manslaughter after driving under the influence in St. Croix. The crash involved her Jeep colliding head-on, resulting in the death of 25-year-old Marvin Barton and injuries to another passenger. Her charges included DUI, driving without a license, and vehicular homicide. Lund entered her guilty plea via Zoom on March 7, 2022, accepting responsibility and avoiding a jury trial.

Her sentencing was initially scheduled for May 2022 but was later rescheduled to June 28 of the same year. Lund failed to appear for the hearing, and with no communication from her or her attorney, Judge Jomo Meade issued a bench warrant on July 1, 2022, and added her name to the National Crime Information Center database.

An investigation by the VIDOJ Special Investigations Division, led by Assistant Director Gisselle M. Quinones, culminated on June 6, 2025, when a credible tip led to a joint operation. U.S. Marshals and Corpus Christi Police arrested Lund in Texas. During the arrest, David Keith Hightower, believed to be Lund’s third-party custodian and husband, was also arrested and charged with hindering apprehension.

Lund now faces an additional charge of failure to appear in a criminal proceeding. Her bail has been set at $5,500, contingent upon secured payment, an approved St. Croix address, and a third-party custodian.

The extradition was made possible through local funding and federal cooperation. Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea commended the multi-agency effort, stating, “This arrest highlights our commitment … regardless of how far they try to escape.” He also acknowledged the contributions of Assistant Director Quinones, Director Jerry Inniss, Acting Deputy Attorney General Patricia Lynn Pryor, and Criminal Division Chief Amie M. Simpson.

Lund now awaits sentencing for both the involuntary manslaughter charge and the new failure-to-appear count.

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