Share this @internewscast.com

The teen driver of an SUV that crashed into a Florida playground, killing one child and seriously injuring another, has been identified.

WINK News reports that the motorist behind the fatal crash has been identified as Kiara Morant, 18, of Arcadia. According to the report, Morant had initially been charged only with driving without a valid license, and was released from jail. A WINK News reporter said in a Twitter post Friday morning that Morant has been booked back into jail with upgraded charges of a crash causing death.

The reporter also identified the girl who died as Maleena Valdez.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, Valdez, 4, died after being hit by the vehicle that crashed through fencing at the Arcadia playground this week. A 5-year-old girl was also hospitalized with serious injuries. According to the news station, Maleena Valdez died on her mother’s birthday.

A witness told WINK News that they heard children screaming, and inititally did not believe the sounds were coming from the daycare, right behind her home.

“Kids screaming and I said, ‘Well, it could be coming from our pool,’ but it was so many screams of so many kids and everything that I thought well you know there’s no way it could be coming from the pool,” neighbor Becky Stidham told the news station.

“It’s a pretty traumatic episode for all the kids seeing a vehicle just come right at them.”

CrimeOnline will provide further updates when more information is available.

[Feature image: Family photo/WINK News]

Post source: Crime Online

Source: This post first appeared on

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Gainesville Woman Caught Shoplifting Five Times in Nine Days at Local Store

Staff Report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A 35-year-old woman, Tina Marie Rodstrom, was…

Manhunt Underway: Armed Heist Shocks Sydney CBD as Thieves Flee with Looted Safe

Two men are sought after stealing a safe in Sydney’s CBD this…

Tragic Incident: Toddler Accidentally Shoots Self Due to Unsecured Firearm, Babysitter Cites Urgency to Use Bathroom

Share A Minnesota man, aged 31, managed to avoid a prison sentence…

Controversial DNA Expert Testimony Reignites Debate in Laken Riley Murder Case Appeal for New Trial

The legal battle over the conviction of Jose Ibarra, accused and found…

Shocking Home Security Footage Captures Fatal Attack on Mother of Six by Ex-Husband

Insets: Ryan Dodd (Oswego police) and Ashley Stewart (GoFundMe). Background: The 400…

Groom Indicted Following Second Grand Jury Review in Bride’s Stepfather’s Fatal Shooting

In a tragic turn of events, a Georgia couple’s wedding celebration concluded…

Gainesville Woman Faces Charges for Illegally Acquiring SNAP and Medicaid Benefits

Staff Report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities have taken Queen Sharon Lily Reeves,…

Tragic Michigan Family Incident: Father Charged in Triple Homicide, Spares Own Child

A father from Michigan dialed 911 to report a supposed home invasion…

Hospital Faces Lawsuit After Conflicting Reports on Newborn’s Status: Initially Declared Deceased, Later Claimed Alive, Finally Confirmed Passed Away

Inset: LaChunda Hunter. Background: The hospital that LaChunda Hunter is suing over…

Unsolved Mystery: Pregnant Postal Worker Kierra Coles Still Missing Five Years Later

The mystery surrounding the 2018 disappearance of Kierra Coles, an Illinois woman…

Tragic Shooting: Graduate Student Fatally Shot by Boyfriend Over Relationship Dispute

Left: Stephon Dubose (Durham police). Right: Angela Risi (Legacy.com). A North Carolina…

Shocking Court Revelations: Former NRL Star Faces Child-Choking and Assault Allegations

Charges against former NRL star Josh McGuire have been aired in court…