$25,000 settlement approved in wrongful death lawsuit over hit-and-run accident that killed Joplin woman

A $25,000 settlement has been reached with the insurance company of the hit-and-run driver who was behind the wheel January 8 when Eva M. Havelock, 55, Joplin, was struck and killed.

According to a petition for approval of a wrongful death settlement filed Monday in Jasper County Circuit Court, the case was filed by Havelock's son, Richard Ross, with GEICO agreeing to the settlement.

The driver, Ruben Blanco, 49, Joplin, was bound over for trial for leaving the scene of an accident and driving while revoked. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 15. He is represented by Joplin attorney Brian Glades.