A Miami judge has set a $30,000 bail for 47-year-old Susej Calcines, who was arrested following a hit-and-run incident that tragically claimed the lives of an elderly couple. Calcines faces charges of vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of an accident. Despite fleeing initially, police utilized surveillance footage to trace her vehicle, a black 2007 Mercedes Benz GL450, leading to her subsequent arrest and confession.
During the court proceedings, Judge Mindy S. Glazer mandated that Calcines remain under house arrest, equipped with an ankle monitor, and prohibited her from driving. Reports from Seven News Miami reveal that Calcines professed memory loss regarding the event, attributing it to an undisclosed medical condition. Notably, she has a previously clean driving record, marking this as her first accident.
In Tuesday's hearing, prosecutors expressed hesitation in pursuing vehicular homicide charges, as they are yet to confirm if Calcines was driving recklessly. Nevertheless, they affirmed their intent to proceed with charges related to fleeing the scene of the fatal crash. This incident occurred on Sunday in Hialeah, along East Eighth Avenue near 48th Street, where police responded to an emergency call.
Tragic Incident in Hialeah
Investigations revealed that Calcines was driving her SUV southbound when she struck Julio Hernández, 87, and Manuela Hernández, 84, two elderly Cuban pedestrians. Both victims were pronounced dead on the scene and were later identified by their daughter, María.
In Florida, fleeing an accident scene resulting in death or serious bodily injury incurs severe penalties. Such offenses are categorized as second-degree felonies, potentially leading to 15 years of incarceration or probation, along with a $10,000 fine. Legally, individuals involved in accidents are required to stay at the scene, ensure the well-being of all parties, and promptly notify law enforcement.