On November 4, at approximately 11:47 a.m., the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Regional Communications Center received a call regarding a hit-and-run traffic accident in the parking lot of McDonald’s located at 765 W. Baptist Road in Monument, Colorado.

The Monument Police Department responded and found a severely injured adult female at the scene. Medical aid was rendered by law enforcement and first responders; however, attempts were unsuccessful. The female was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Monument Police Department requested assistance from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, who responded and assumed the investigation.

This incident is believed to be isolated and is being investigated as a homicide.

The suspect, an adult male, was driving a dark in color Chrysler minivan with a light-colored metal trim horizontal stripe down the side. The vehicle had no front license plate, stock silver rims, and significant damage to the front passenger bumper and side. There was possibly a white handicap placard hanging from the front rear-view mirror. The vehicle may also have red paint scuff marks on the front passenger side of the vehicle.

In addition to the adult male driver, there was a female passenger in the front seat of the vehicle as well.

The El Paso County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 47-year-old Kristy Kerst.  We want to extend our deepest sympathies to Ms. Kerst’s family and friends.

Yesterday, 41-year-old Joel Lang turned himself in at the Colorado Springs Police Department Stetson Hills Substation.  The Sheriff’s Office took custody of Mr. Lang and recovered the vehicle used in the incident. 

Mr. Lang has been charged with Second Degree Murder, Vehicular Homicide, Duty to Report Accidents and Accidents involving death. He was booked into the El Paso County Jail with a $50,000 bond.

The Sheriff’s Office continues to seek information from anyone who witnessed or has information related to this incident.  Please call the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 719-520-7777.

A booking photograph is attached.

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