2 Arrested In Connection With Hit-And-Run Crash That Killed 3-Year-Old Girl
WESTMINSTER (CBS) — A man and woman have been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run crash that killed a 3-year-old girl in February.
Carlos Parra, 20, of Santa Ana, was arrested Wednesday and booked on suspicion of felony hit and run. Rebecca Beltran, 24, also of Santa Ana, was arrested on suspicion of aiding in a felony, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Ray Payton.
Lady Audree Rebecca Hernandez, 26, and her 2-year-old daughter, Miranda Palacios, were struck as they crossed Gilbert Street on Feb. 6. Palacios, who was riding in a stroller, was killed.
Hernandez suffered multiple injuries, including a broken pelvis and back, as well as ankle and foot fractures.
Kimberlee Kirby, the mother and grandmother of the victims, spoke out about the accident during a news conference Thursday morning.
"It sickens us to know these people continued to live their lives," following the collision, Kirby said. "We will forever be a broken family... I'd like to tell (Parra) we knew this was an accident, but it turned into a crime when you fled. It was careless, heartless and you did it with no remorse."
Authorities initially said the 1995 Nissan Maxima involved in the collision was stolen, but they confirmed Thursday the car belonged to Beltran's sister.
According to police, Beltran was not in the car at the time of the incident. They said Parra called her after the accident, and Beltran then reported the vehicle stolen.
CBS2's Kara Finnstrom spoke to Hernandez by phone about the arrests.
"It is very sad. Now I really am going to know, to have a face and a name, to put together with who did this to us," Hernandez said.
