A heartbreaking incident took place in Hialeah, Miami, where an elderly couple, Julio Eduardo Hernández and Manuela Hernández, lost their lives in a hit-and-run accident at the intersection of 48th Street and East 8th Avenue. The couple, aged 87 and 84 respectively, died instantly from the severe impact, according to María Fernanda López, a journalist from Univision. She provided live updates through Facebook, emphasizing that the couple had been residents of the area for 45 years.
The driver implicated in the accident, Sucej Calcines, aged 47, fled the scene immediately after the incident. However, law enforcement utilized surveillance footage to track her vehicle, a 2007 black Mercedes Benz GL450. Thanks to the monitoring systems in place, authorities were able to locate her. Calcines was later apprehended and admitted to her involvement in the tragedy. She is now facing multiple charges related to the crime.
In Florida, the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident that results in death or serious bodily harm are stringent. Such an offense can be categorized as a second-degree felony, carrying a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison or probation, along with a $10,000 fine. Beyond the moral obligation to assist those in need, legally, individuals involved in an accident are required to stay at the scene, ensure the safety of all drivers and passengers, and promptly notify the police.