Family and friends gathered at the Memorial Plan Funeral Home in Miami to bid farewell to Julio and Manuela Hernández, an elderly Cuban couple who tragically lost their lives after being hit by a vehicle last Sunday in Hialeah, as reported by Telemundo 51.
The Hernández couple, married for over 60 years, were well-known for their daily lottery outings. However, their routine ended in tragedy when they were struck by a hit-and-run driver.
The funeral service took place last Thursday in Miami. The tragic incident occurred around 7:00 p.m. on October 13th, as the couple attempted to cross East 8th Avenue near 47th Street in Hialeah. Julio, aged 87, and Manuela, aged 84, were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Arrest of the Suspect
The driver involved, 47-year-old Susej Calcines, was apprehended the following day and now faces charges of vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of an accident. According to police reports, Calcines failed to assist the victims or provide information after the collision.
Her vehicle, a black Mercedes Benz GL450, was tracked by authorities to an apartment complex in northwest Miami-Dade, leading to her identification as the suspect. During her arrest, Calcines claimed she could not remember the accident, citing an undisclosed medical condition.
Legal Consequences and Community Impact
Despite lacking a history of reckless driving, Calcines faces significant legal repercussions. Judge Mindy S. Glazer set her bail at $30,000, placed her under house arrest with an ankle monitor, and prohibited her from driving.
María, the Hernández's daughter, was the one who identified her parents following the accident. Under Florida law, leaving the scene of a fatal accident can result in up to 15 years of imprisonment, along with hefty fines.