Arrest Made In Deadly Hit & Run Of Ft. Lauderdale Teen
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FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – Fort Lauderdale Police arrested a man they say hit and killed a 15-year-old girl in Fort Lauderdale earlier this week.
"You killed a child, you killed my baby! My baby!"
Those were the words Felissa Williams screamed the moment she found out someone was arrested for hitting and killing her daughter, 15-year-old Jaliah Cross.
Max Stevenson Francois, 28, is accused of hitting Jaliah Monday night on NW 15th Ave. just north of Sunrise Blvd. and then racing off.
Using the released video, Jaliah's family was hoping the vehicle would look familiar to someone. Traffic homicide detectives had also passed out flyers at local businesses and body shops.
A tip led police to a car on NW 16th St. and 11th Ave. in Fort Lauderdale.
Hiding under a tarp was a gray Mustang with big rims, matching the video released by police and the general description by witnesses. The Mustang had severe damage to its hood.
"We came to this residence. We saw the vehicle was covered. We saw damage consistent with witness statements on scene and the investigation did lead us to an arrest today," said Fort Lauderdale Police Officer Kathy Collins.
CBS4's Ted Scouten asked Francois' family if they could confirm that was the car in the accident.
"Can you tell us if that's the car involved?" Scouten asked.
"No, it's not," the family member responded.
They said it's the wrong car, but moments later Francois' girlfriend cried, learning the father of a newborn had been placed under arrest.
Francois has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.
Family and friends are relieved someone is being held responsible. They told CBS4 despite their pain they have compassion.
"The family forgives him. We forgive him because you can't have hatred in your heart for anything like that," said Jaliah's cousin, Verna Johnson.
Jaliah's mom said Francois' arrest is an answer to her prayer.
"God is good! God is good. Awesome God. I already have faith. I knew he was going to get caught," Williams said. "He just made it worse for himself running, trying to hide. You ran over her like she was a piece of trash. That was my baby and now her soul can rest in peace when I lay her to rest."