Suspect wanted in North Fort Myers hit-and-run that killed 14-year-old

Published: Updated:
Mugshot of Courtney Gainey, 23. (Credit: Lee County Sheriff's Office)
Mugshot of Courtney Gainey, 23. (Credit: Lee County Sheriff’s Office)

Investigators want the public’s help to track down the suspect in a hit-and-run crash that killed one teenager and injured another in Lee County over the weekend.

SWFL Crime Stoppers says, Saturday, suspect Courtney Gainey, 23, is accused of leaving the scene of a crash after hitting and killing 14-year-old Allana Staiano in the Suncoast Estates community of North Fort Myers.

Investigators have possession of the vehicle they say was involved in the crash.

“The last kiss I gave my baby girl was on a very cold, lifeless forehead while machines pumped her heart,” said Christine Gray, Allana’s mother.

Allana’s mother, father, four sisters and twin brother are now left wondering if street lights and sidewalk in the neighborhood would have meant a safe passage home for their loved one.

“She was a sweetheart,” Gray said. “I don’t know why [the driver] did this. But this is a problem out here that’s gotta stop.”

14-year-old Allana Saiano of North Fort Myers. Credit: Shared with WINK News.

According to SWFL Crime Stoppers, a warrant was issued for Gainey’s arrest shortly after 7 p.m. the night of the crash.

Allana and her best friend were walking home along McDaniel Drive when they were hit by a car, and the driver never stopped to help the girls. Nearby neighbors soon rushed to their assistance.

Allana died from her injuries, and her friend suffered a broken arm, now in the care of family.

Witnesses led investigators to suspect Gainey as the driver who fled the scene. Gainey is last known to live in North Fort Myers, and investigators believe she knows she is wanted for the fatal hit-and-run and is trying to hide from law enforcement.

Neighbors who know Gainey said they are shocked, saying that it is surreal, because the suspect is someone they know.

Dozens of community members are showing Allana’s family support at the memorial that has been built at the scene of the crash.  An employee at a nearby gas station said the community is heartbroken over her loss and have stepped up to help.

“They’ve been buying those flowers over there,” Jared Elam said. “I had a guy come in who got a $100-$200 from the ATM just to help with her funeral.”

“I hope she knows,” Christine said. “I hope that when she left, she knew how much she was loved.”

Anyone with information is encouraged to call SWFL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips can also be made online at SWFL Crime Stopper website or on the P3Tips mobile app.

 

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.