Woman Arrested In Death Of Grandmother, 5-Year-Old
LUTHERVILLE, Md. (WJZ) — Just days after a 60-year-old woman and her granddaughter were struck and killed by an SUV, police arrest the driver of that car. Police say she was under the influence.
Callie Schwarzman, 22, is now behind bars. She is charged with hitting and killing a woman and her little granddaughter, while under the influence.
"She destroyed a family," Baltimore County Police spokesperson Jen Peach said.
Just before 7 a.m. Monday, 60-year-old Deborah Limmer was pushing 5-year-old Delaney Gaddis in a stroller on the sidewalk along Girdwood Road in Timonium.
That's when police say Schrawzman lost control, veering across the roadway and onto the sidewalk -- striking and killing the two.
"It happened so sudden. There was nothing they could do. When you're out taking a walk in the morning, it's the last thing you expect," Peach said.
On Thursday, police said they believe Schwarzman was driving under the influence with alcohol and or drugs. They've now charged her with DUI, negligent manslaughter and vehicular homicide.
"In the initial investigation, we followed her to the hospital and saw signs of alcohol use. We consulted with the state's attorney's office and at this time, we have enough evidence to charge her with DUI offenses and vehicular homicide offenses," Peach said.
The 22-year-old's history behind the wheel dates back to 2015. Police confirm she has two prior hit-and-run cases, a prior DUI and charges for driving on a suspended license.
Somehow, Schrawzman was still on the road.
"There are a lot of questions as to why she was still driving. It's obvious that she should not have been on the road and this could've been prevented," Peach said.
Neighbors are left wondering why, as well.
"We have a lot of that in the country today. No accountability. No one is held accountable. It gives me chills to even think about this tragedy," Ben Mell, a community member, said.
A makeshift memorial now sits feet away from the tragedy. On Thursday, a little boy and his mother among the many who dropped off flowers and stuffed animals.
Delaney loved her family, friends and playing animals. A GoFundMe page added that her smile and laughter would light up the atmosphere the moment she would walk into a room.
That same GoFundMe page says Limmer was an ICU nurse who spent her nights at the hospital, helping others. She's described as a funny, vibrant and loving mother and grandmother.
On Thursday, several neighbors told WJZ that people are always speeding down the street, despite speed bumps that are in place. They say they've requested additional speed bumps recently but that never came to fruition.
Police say they're waiting for results from a blood test given to Schrawzman while she was in the hospital. They are not elaborating on the evidence found inside the car because they do not want to jeopardize the investigation.
Police are also looking into whether there were any mechanical problems with the suspect's car.
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