Nestande makes brief court appearance

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Former legislative staffer Gabrielle Nestande's was in court Friday in connection with the May 28, 2011, hit-and-run death of Courtney Griffin.

Nestande, who was working as an aide to a state representative last year, is charged with failure to stop and render aid.

Griffin, who worked as a nanny and volunteered for Austin Pets Alive, was walking home late at night in the Tarrytown neighborhood when she was killed. Her body was discovered after dawn.

Police linked Nestande to the death when her damaged vehicle was parked nearby.

During the brief proceding, Nestande's attorneys updated the judge on how far they've come in getting ready for trial.

Friends and family of the victim filled up three rows of seats in the courtroom as well. Nestande was only up at the bench for a couple of minutes.

Prosecutors told the judge they are still trying to track down a witness to talk to and Nestande's sister - who goes to college out of state.

Friends and family of Griffin have been showing up for every court setting. On Friday, they gathered around afterwards as the prosecutor explained what happened in the courtroom and what's next.

No trial date has been set.