Police identify woman killed, driver charged with murder in Philadelphia hit-and-run
Philadelphia police have identified the victim and the driver in a fatal hit-and-run that happened on Thanksgiving and charged the driver with murder.
The crash killed 41-year-old Rosa Mar Espinosa Rodas, who was crossing Market Street at 36th Street just before 4 p.m. Police believe she worked nearby and was on her lunch break.
The driver accused of striking her was identified as 30-year-old Shamir Miller of West Philadelphia.
Police say Miller was behind the wheel of a black 2012 Honda Accord when he allegedly struck Espinosa Rodas and continued driving eastbound on Market Street before hitting a 2013 Buick Lacrosse near 33rd Street.
Miller attempted to flee on foot but was taken into police custody about a block away, Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said at the scene Thursday.
Witnesses told police the suspect was speeding and driving recklessly.
The driver of the Buick, another 41-year-old woman, was taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center for neck and back injuries and placed in stable condition. Miller was also hospitalized at Penn Presbyterian for treatment of head injuries.
"It's very, very tragic, the fact that this is a fatal hit-and-run, the fact that it happened on Thanksgiving Day just makes it that much more of a tragedy," Small said.
Miller has been charged with murder, homicide by vehicle, aggravated assault, reckless driving and other offenses.
The crash happened near the site of the hit-and-run that killed 48-year-old Meaza Brown of South Philadelphia last week. Police say Brown was walking to work early on Nov. 20 with a group of coworkers when she was hit by a silver Chrysler 300 sedan that ran a red light at 33rd and Market streets.