Two men have been arrested after an intensive weekend-long investigation. These individuals allegedly hit a grandmother who was crossing the street, but instead of stopping to help, they callously left her there to perish.
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The suspects, Hugo Valente and Koechiesta Smith, have been charged by the Brookhaven Police for the hit-and-run incident involving 55-year-old Linda Powell.
According to reports, on Thursday morning, Powell was crossing Clairmont at Canmont Drive when she was struck by two consecutive vehicles. Notably, Powell was not within a designated crosswalk.
Channel 2 News journalist, Candace McCowan, had a conversation with the victim’s daughter, Amanda Whitaker, during Monday’s airing of WSB Tonight at 11 p.m.
Whitaker anxiously awaited the call she received on Monday morning. She stated, “I spent the last few days consumed by this; I wanted them to be apprehended.”
She hoped that their apprehension would bring her some closure. Whitaker expressed, “Not because he hit her, as that was genuinely an accident, but because he callously left her to die like she was trash on the side of the road… you just can’t do that to someone.”
Although the drivers responsible did not stop, witnesses at the scene made sure to offer assistance. “There are still good people in this world who are willing to stop and help,” said Lt. Jacob Kissel of the Brookhaven Police.
Kissel mentioned that the use of surveillance cameras played a significant role in tracking down the vehicles and drivers involved in the incident.
Both drivers are now facing charges of Felony Hit and Run, and it is possible that additional charges will be brought against them as the investigation unfolds. Kissel stated, “Our investigators are still looking into the cause of the accident. Were the drivers distracted? Were they using their phones? That’s why we believe there may be more charges in this case.”
Powell’s grieving family is currently seeking solace, which is proving to be difficult in their current circumstances. Whitaker emotionally expressed, “If I want to see my mom again, I have to visit a cemetery… my children no longer have a grandmother.”
The family has set up a fundraiser to cover the burial expenses. Donations can be made here.
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