DETROIT, MI – A woman faces several felony charges after allegedly striking a mother and her two young children with her car, killing a 3-year-old boy and critically injuring his family, as they crossed the street during a neighborhood festival in Livonia.
The incident unfolded Sunday night near Lyndon Street and Merriman Road, where the annual Livonia Spree festival had drawn crowds to celebrate the city’s 75th anniversary. Authorities say Tammy Sandoval, 55, was behind the wheel of the vehicle that hit Tia Robinson, 28, and her twin toddlers shortly before 11 p.m., before leaving the scene.
The crash claimed the life of Khalil Robinson, a 3-year-old boy who was pronounced dead from his injuries. His mother and twin sister both remain hospitalized with serious injuries, local police reported.
Court records from Wayne County show Sandoval has been charged with operating a vehicle while her license was suspended, revoked, or denied, causing death, and two counts of the same charge resulting in serious injury. She also faces counts of failing to stop at the scene of an accident causing death and failing to stop at the scene of an accident causing serious injury.
Police say traffic signals in the area were flashing late Sunday night as festivalgoers made their way home from a day of fireworks and festivities. Witnesses told investigators that after the collision, the driver sped off while bystanders rushed to help the injured children.
Family members described the three-year-old victim as affectionate and kind. His grandfather recalled the boy’s habit of sharing treats with his sister, while relatives expressed anguish and disbelief that a night intended for celebration could end in tragedy.
Authorities say Sandoval was present at the festival and was also leaving the event at the time of the fatal crash. Her defense lawyer has argued that Sandoval did not realize she had struck anyone. The suspect, who appeared in court Thursday, is being held on a $600,000 bond ahead of a scheduled court hearing on July 10.
News of the crash has cast a shadow over the Livonia Spree, an event meant to mark a major milestone for the city, leaving a family and community in mourning.