In a tragic incident that has left a community in mourning, a 14-year-old girl lost her life, and her 11-year-old sister was critically injured in a stolen car crash in Richmond. The girls, who had recently immigrated to the United States from El Salvador, were involved in the early morning crash on the 600 block of Canal Boulevard. The 14-year-old, a student at Richmond High School, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene, while her younger sister remains in the intensive care unit at a local hospital.
The car the girls were traveling in had been reported stolen to the San Pablo Police Department on October 12. Two 15-year-old boys were also in the car at the time of the crash, but both fled the scene. One was later found seeking treatment for injuries at a hospital, while the other was located at a Richmond home. Police are still working to determine who was driving the vehicle at the time of the crash.
The tragic incident has sparked outrage in the community, with residents noting that the area where the crash occurred is known for street racing and sideshow activity. Andrew Butt, a longtime resident, described the area as a hotspot for reckless driving, with incidents occurring on a nightly basis. The community is calling for justice for the girls and accountability for those responsible for the stolen car and the fatal crash.
Lt. Donald Patchin of the Richmond Police Department emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that the driver, once identified, could face charges including manslaughter, possession of a stolen vehicle, and felony hit-and-run. The investigation is ongoing, with conflicting statements from the car’s occupants complicating the process of determining who was behind the wheel at the time of the crash.
As the community grapples with the loss of a young life and the critical condition of another, a memorial has been set up at the site of the crash to honor the victims. The identity of the girl who lost her life has not yet been released, but the impact of this senseless tragedy is deeply felt by all those affected. The Richmond Police Department has expressed their condolences to the victims‘ family and friends, offering thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the devastating consequences that can result from irresponsible behavior behind the wheel. As the community mourns the loss of a young life and prays for the recovery of the injured sister, the need for accountability and justice in this tragic situation remains at the forefront of everyone’s minds.