A septuagenarian Georgia woman was killed while crossing the street after paying her respects to deceased family members at a cemetery, allegedly by an Amazon delivery driver who continued on his route after the fatal crash.
Sandra Fitts, 79, died after being struck at an intersection near her former home, according to Peach State Police. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office now charges London Rozier Best, 25, with one count of vehicular homicide in the first degree and hit-and-run resulting in death.
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The incident occurred on November 12 at approximately 6:30 p.m., just outside of Canton, a small city located 41 miles north-northwest of Atlanta.
Law enforcement received a call about a hit-and-run on Cumming Highway near the Jordan Lane intersection.
Fitts died on the scene of the crime. Authorities later stated that she most likely died instantly after being hit by the Rivian Delivery vehicle.
“While responding to the accident, a deputy noticed an Amazon truck turning down Bishop Drive and requested assistance to search for the vehicle,” the sheriff’s office stated in a press release obtained by Atlanta-based radio station WSB.
Nearby, a member of the town’s police department discovered an Amazon delivery truck with damage consistent with the woman’s fatal hit-and-run.
“The investigation revealed that the Amazon truck in question was the vehicle that struck the pedestrian,” the press release read.
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Jay Baker said the woman and her husband recently sold their home but continued to visit the area because of the family plot at the nearby cemetery, where Fitts would visit with memories of her deceased relatives and feed wild cats, according to Atlanta-based CBS affiliate WANF.
“It’s a very unfortunate situation,” Baker explained. “It appears that he knows what happened and he actually continued to deliver packages in the area.”
Surviving family members describe the loss as a reverberating tragedy.
The victim’s obituary mentions her fondly.
“Sandra’s passions in life included her marriage to her “Honey” for 60 years, her family outings with kids and grandkids, keeping a clean house and yard and her love of cats,” the tribute says. She is survived by several relatives, including three grandchildren.
Best now faces the prospect of spending a significant portion of his life in prison as a result of the fatal traffic accident.
“Had he not left the scene, he most likely would not have been charged, especially with these felonies,” Baker told Atlanta-based ABC affiliate WSB-TV. “Because, you know, it was dark and she was crossing the highway. So, if you ever get in an accident, stop.”
Best also faces a number of minor marijuana-related charges after a search of the Amazon delivery truck allegedly uncovered drugs and drug paraphernalia, according to a sheriff’s office statement cited by People magazine.
Amazon, for its part, said the defendant would be suspended from driving for the company pending the outcome of the criminal investigation, according to a statement obtained by Atlanta Fox affiliate WAGA.
“We’re deeply saddened by this incident, and our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time,” Amazon told the television station. “We’ll support local police as they investigate.”
Best is currently detained without bond.
