No charges filed yet in fatal accident
Published 10:10 pm Tuesday, March 17, 2009
No charges have yet been filed in an accident that killed an 8-year-old girl Sunday.
Jakiiya Ajane Boothe, of Candlewood Way, Newport News, died at the scene of the accident, on U.S. Route 58 West near the Pitchkettle Road exit. Her grandmother, Robin Johnson Shields, 46, also of Candlewood Way, was driving an Isuzu Rodeo westbound about 10:16 a.m. when the vehicle ran off the right side of the road, striking an embankment and rolling the vehicle. Both driver and child were ejected from the vehicle.
Early investigation indicates that the vehicle hit accumulated water on the roadway and hydroplaned. Investigators are following up on the vehicle possessing an expired rejection sticker that indicated the vehicle had defective brakes. Further investigation could show whether proper brake operation would have helped avoid the crash.
City spokeswoman Debbie George said investigators have yet to determine whether the occupants of the vehicle were wearing seat belts.
As with most fatal accidents in the city, the facts of the case will be reviewed by the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a recommendation of charges.