Man charged in deadly hit-and-run in Center City: police
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A West Philadelphia man was charged in a hit-and-run crash that killed a mother and injured her three daughters in Center City Thursday. We're told the children remain in the hospital.
CBS News Philadelphia is learning more about the victims and how a school community is now stepping up to help.
Family members of the victims say the mom was taking her girls to 7-Eleven to get snacks when they were hit. The three sisters go to the same elementary school and now teachers and parents are showing their support in a big way.
"It's crazy how you can think that in one short second your life can change," Kristyn Aria said.
Just hours before being critically injured following a hit-and-run crash, Aria says her 8-year-old student was running around playing with classmates, enjoying life as a first grader. But on Wednesday morning, the McCall school in Society Hill realized the connection to this tragedy.
"We found out through a kindergartner when she came in that day that she was very upset and we put two and two together and learned it was three students from our school," Aria said.
She says her student's older sisters are in 4th and 5th grade at McCall and were also injured in the crash but they're OK.
Aria launched a fundraising effort Wednesday night and pushed it out to parents and the McCall community.
"They immediately jumped on donating money and collecting clothes for the kids and constantly emailed and sent text messages 'What can we do? How can we help this family,?'" Aria said.
The girls' mother, identified by family as 38-year-old Kharleema Tilghman, died Wednesday afternoon from her injuries. According to witnesses, she tried pushing her kids out of the way before being hit and was thrown 20 feet.
Police say the driver, 37-year-old Dominique Murphy, was seen driving the wrong way on JFK Boulevard and speeding Tuesday night before hitting the family near Broad and Arch streets and then driving away.
"I'm just so thankful that this community is pulling through and trying to help them and also that they caught him because I can't even imagine being a mom, especially with Mother's Day coming up this weekend," Aria said.
Murphy is charged with involuntary manslaughter and homicide by vehicle.
Police say they received tips from the public that helped get the driver in custody.
Counselors have been brought in to help students and staff members.
The McCall school is also accepting donations of clothes for the girls. They can be dropped off at the school in Society Hill.