Man Charged In Deadly Hallandale Beach Hit & Run
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Less than 24 hours after a tearful mother made a public plea for the driver who struck her daughter to do the right thing, it appears he did.
Hallandale Beach police announced that Fernando Mayers, 25, turned himself in at their headquarters Tuesday for the hit and run death of Shania Jackson. He was charged with vehicular homicide, leaved the scene of a crash involving a death, DWLR (Habitual Traffic Offender) and DWLR involving a death.
"We were led to Mr. Mayers by the rental agreement left in the vehicle which was rented by his mother," said Hallandale Police Chief Dwayne Flourney. "Our investigation revealed that Mr. Mayers was the last person seen in possession of that vehicle."
"He has been designated a habitual traffic offender which means the penalties for the charges he is now facing will be enhanced," said Chief Flourney.
Myers surrendered at the Hallandale Beach Police Department at 2 o'clock with his attorney Michael Gottlie and revoked his right to remain silent.
Dozens had gathered Monday night near at a growing road side memorial for Jackson, 12, who did not survive her injuries after being struck on Tuesday, Nov. 19th.
As classmates brought teddy bears and home-made banners to the memorial, Shania's mother, struggled the fight back tears.
"I'm very blessed that everyone could come out and for the love that everyone has shown me, even strangers, all for my daughter," said Fiona Clarke.
Hallandale Beach Police say Shania was struck as she crossed Foster Avenue in front of the park. Investigators later found a red rental car involved in the incident abandoned a few blocks away.
People who live and work in the area says Foster Avenue is the scene of frequent speeding as many drivers use it as a cut-through to reach Pembroke Road. Business owner Sheila Wein said drivers come "flying down here like they're on I-95."
"I've been watching this for a year," Wein said. "I always said something like this was going to happen."
Wein is now petitioning the city to install speed bumps in front of the park and will ask Broward County to install a lighted cross walk.
