Mother Discovers Daughter’s Death Through Phone Location After Hit-and-Run, Driver Escapes Justice, Prosecutors Say

A grieving mother says she learned of her daughter’s death in a devastating way — by checking her cell phone’s location and seeing it registered at the coroner’s office. Authorities say the woman’s daughter was killed in a hit-and-run crash, and the driver responsible has since avoided prosecution, leaving the family without justice.

Fatal Hit-and-Run in Marked Crosswalk

According to prosecutors, the victim was walking legally in a marked crosswalk when she was struck by a speeding vehicle that ran a red light. The impact was fatal, and the driver fled the scene without stopping to help or contact emergency services.

Police later confirmed the woman had died from her injuries at the scene.

Mother Learns Truth Through Phone Tracking

The victim’s mother said she became worried when she could not reach her daughter and decided to check her phone’s location. What she saw left her in shock — the last known location showed the coroner’s office.

Authorities later confirmed that her daughter had been killed hours earlier, and the family had not yet been notified when the mother discovered the truth on her own.

Driver Arrested, Then Released

Investigators were eventually able to identify and arrest the suspected driver. He was charged in connection with the fatal crash and appeared in court, where he was released on bond.

However, shortly after his release, the driver was taken into immigration custody and removed from the country. Prosecutors say they were not notified before the deportation occurred.

Prosecutors Say Justice Was Undermined

The district attorney’s office expressed frustration over the outcome, stating that the case could not move forward once the defendant left the country. With the suspect no longer in the United States, the criminal case was effectively stalled.

Prosecutors said the man would have faced significant prison time if the case had proceeded.

Family Left Without Closure

The victim’s family says they feel abandoned by the system. They argue that deportation should not prevent accountability in cases involving loss of life.

The mother said no family should have to learn of a loved one’s death through a phone app, and no victim should be denied justice due to procedural failures.

Calls for Better System Coordination

The case has sparked broader concerns about communication gaps between criminal courts and immigration authorities. Legal experts say improved coordination is essential to ensure suspects in serious crimes remain available for prosecution.

Advocates are calling for reforms to prevent similar cases where families are left grieving without answers or accountability.

Investigation Remains Closed

While no further legal action is currently possible, the family continues to speak out in hopes of preventing similar tragedies. They say remembering the victim and pushing for justice is the only way to honor her life.