Woman charged in deaths of 2 children hit by van near their elementary school in Prince George's – NBC4 Washington

Lina Portman2 weeks ago

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A Hyattsville, Maryland woman has been charged in the deaths of two young children who were struck by a vehicle while walking to Riverdale Park Elementary School.

Olga Lugo Jiminez, 51, faces charges of criminally negligent manslaughter and other charges following the tragic incident on November 20.

According to initial reports, Sky Sosa, 5, and Shalom Mbah, 10, were on a crosswalk near their school, accompanied by Sky's father, Franklin Sosa, when they were struck by a van driven by Lugo Jimenez.

The children were rushed to hospital but died from their injuries. Franklin Sosa was also hit, but his injuries are not life-threatening.

Prince George's County State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy expressed her condolences to the families and promised justice for the victims.

“My heart goes out to the parents of these young souls who were lost in this horrible event,” Braveboy said. “We will hold Ms. Lugo Jiminez accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

Lugo Jiminez was charged with two counts of criminally negligent manslaughter and two counts of causing serious bodily injury or death to a vulnerable person while operating a motor vehicle. She faces up to three years in prison for each death, based on state law and the criminally negligent manslaughter statute.

Jiminez was an employee of a school transportation company unaffiliated with Prince George's County Public Schools.

The incident caused much grief in the community. In response, the intersection became a makeshift memorial with flowers, stuffed animals and candles placed near the stage to honor the young lives lost.

“Driving is not a right. It’s a privilege,” Braveboy said. “My heart goes out to this county because we deserve better.”