Three-time deported illegal immigrant charged with killing North Carolina girl, 6, after running stop sign
An illegal immigrant from Mexico who had been deported from the United States three times has been charged over a crash that killed a six-year-old girl in Pitt County, North Carolina, on 3 July. According to authorities, Jaime Santiago Corona was driving a Dodge Ram pickup with a revoked licence when he failed to stop at a stop sign and struck an SUV carrying Kelli Toler, 35, and her two children. The case has drawn national attention and fuelled political debate over immigration enforcement and public safety.
Toler's six-year-old daughter, Calli Toler, was pronounced dead at the scene, while Toler and her four-year-old child were taken to hospital with serious injuries; the family had reportedly been on their way to lunch and a swimming pool. Corona faces charges including misdemeanour death by vehicle, failure to stop, careless and reckless driving, and driving while his licence was revoked. The Department of Homeland Security said his criminal history includes negligent vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence and obstruction of police, and that his repeated illegal re-entry is a felony. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has issued a detainer hold.
- Three-times-deported driver charged after fatal North Carolina crash killed a six-year-old girl.
- The driver had a revoked licence and prior manslaughter and DUI history.
- ICE has issued a detainer hold amid renewed immigration policy debate.