Police ID Sisters Killed In Hit-Run Crash On Roosevelt Boulevard
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Police have identified the sisters who were struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while crossing Roosevelt Boulevard in Northeast Philadelphia.
Police say 10-year-old Loraya Braxton and 19-year-old Kimberly Phillips were hit late Saturday night.
Police say the sisters were in the crosswalk against the red light when they were struck by the driver of a Jeep Wrangler who allegedly sped up to beat the light. Police say that Phillips, whose leg was severed in the crash, died at the scene.
Her younger sister was rushed to St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, but she died less than an hour after the crash.
Authorities say the driver fled the scene, but returned a short time later and was placed into custody.
The 10-year-old girl was rushed to St. Christopher's Hospital where she was pronounced dead a short time later. The 19-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police say the driver, 48-year-old Kenneth Ruch, was driving under the influence at the time of the crash. They say that Ruch struck the two and kept driving southbound before finally pulling off and stopping on Van Kirk Street.
He has been charged with two counts each of homicide by vehicle, homicide by vehicle while DUI and involuntary manslaughter.
A GoFundMe Page has been set up by a family member following the deaths of the two sisters.