Philadelphia police have released the names of those involved in a deadly Thanksgiving hit-and-run and confirmed that the accused driver is now facing a murder charge. The crash claimed the life of 41-year-old Rosa Mar Espinosa Rodas, who was crossing Market Street at 36th Street just before 4 p.m. Investigators believe she worked nearby and may have been on her lunch break at the time.
Police identified the driver as 30-year-old Shamir Miller of West Philadelphia. According to investigators, Miller was behind the wheel of a black 2012 Honda Accord when he allegedly struck Espinosa Rodas and continued driving eastbound on Market Street. Moments later, police say he crashed into a 2013 Buick Lacrosse near 33rd Street.
After the second collision, Miller attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended about a block away, Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said at the scene. Witnesses told officers that the driver had been speeding and driving recklessly before the crash, according to local CBS.
The woman driving the Buick, also 41, was taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center with neck and back injuries. She was listed in stable condition. Miller was transported to the same hospital 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. Following the investigation, Miller was charged with murder, homicide by vehicle, aggravated assault, reckless driving, and several additional offenses. He remains in custody as prosecutors prepare the case.
The fatal crash occurred only blocks from another deadly hit-and-run the week before. On November 20, 48-year-old Meaza Brown of South Philadelphia was walking to work with coworkers when she was hit by a silver Chrysler 300 sedan that ran a red light at 33rd and Market streets. Police are still searching for the driver in that case.
The two incidents have renewed concerns about pedestrian safety in the busy University City area, where thousands of people cross Market Street daily. Investigators are asking anyone with information or video footage related to either crash to contact the Philadelphia police as both inquiries continue.
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