A woman who fatally struck an elderly Cuban couple in Hialeah last October and then fled the scene has been formally charged with homicide. Susej Calcines, 47, was arraigned in criminal court on Friday, facing two counts of vehicular homicide and two counts of leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
Initially, prosecutors were uncertain if they had enough evidence to charge her with vehicular homicide, as they struggled to prove reckless driving, according to records reviewed by Telemundo. However, they have now moved forward with the charges.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The heartbreaking event took place on Sunday, October 13, around 7:00 pm. Julio Eduardo Hernández, 87, and Manuela Hernández, 84, were struck while crossing East 8th Avenue. The couple, married for over 60 years, had just left their home to purchase a lottery ticket. They were killed instantly.
Calcines fled the scene without offering assistance. Police were able to track down her vehicle, a black 2007 Mercedes Benz GL450, by reviewing security footage. Upon her arrest, Calcines initially claimed she did not remember the accident, but later admitted her responsibility.
Family's Heartache and Legal Consequences
The couple's daughter tearfully recounted, "They finished eating and went to play a lottery number at the corner. As they crossed the street, they were hit. I went home two minutes later, realized they weren't there, and went looking for them. When I saw the police, I ran over and they were already dead, killed on the spot."
Days after the incident, Judge Mindy S. Glazer set Calcines' bail at $30,000, ordering her to be placed under house arrest with an ankle monitor and prohibiting her from driving.
"This is devastating. You've destroyed a family. An elderly couple who built a life and family here in the U.S., and you shattered that and left the scene without offering any help," said Hialeah Police Lieutenant Eddie Rodríguez following the accident.