NEWARK, N.J. (TNND) — A hit-and-run incident in Newark on Saturday night resulted in the deaths of two women, aged 58 and 61.
Authorities identified the suspect as 26-year-old David J. Zapata-Vera, who turned himself in to police on Tuesday. He faces multiple charges, including two counts of second-degree vehicular homicide.
According to the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, Zapata-Vera struck Mariana Elizabeth Valverde Beltran and Maria Isabel DeLosAngeles Salgado Ayala while they were in a crosswalk, then fled the scene.
The victims were transported to University Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Witnesses reported that the vehicle accelerated through the intersection, causing the women to be thrown into the air.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Essex County Prosecutor's Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.
The case remains under investigation with authorities working to gather further evidence.