Officer's 104mph crash kills 6-year-old girl

A former Temple Terrace police officer, Zachary Krug, 25, has pleaded not guilty to charges including vehicular homicide and reckless driving. These charges stem from a high-speed collision on April 15 that resulted in the death of six-year-old Leila.

Krug was reportedly speeding, allegedly reaching 104 mph in a 50 mph zone, while heading to his shift. He is accused of striking a vehicle occupied by a mother, Samantha Sakowski, and her three children as she made a turn. The impact occurred at approximately 74 mph.

Sakowski and her children sustained severe injuries. Her eight-year-old daughter, Lily, was placed in a medically induced coma with a broken spine and pelvis, while the youngest child, 18 months old, suffered a concussion. Sakowski herself was hospitalized with broken ribs and facial injuries.

Prosecutors presented dash camera footage allegedly showing Krug accelerating prior to the crash. However, the defense has claimed Krug was attempting to pursue another speeding motorist. State Attorney Suzy Lopez refuted this, stating there was no evidence of a pursuit and emphasizing that Krug's actions endangered lives.

Krug was dismissed from the police department and taken into custody at Hillsborough County Jail. He posted a $90,000 bond and is scheduled to return to court on August 13. A GoFundMe for the victims has raised over $19,000, with updates indicating Lily is making progress in therapy.