Portsmouth, Va. - A 5-year-old and an 8-year-old girl were killed in a single vehicle crash on I-264 West in Portsmouth Monday afternoon. The driver of the vehicle faces multiple charges, including two counts of second-degree murder.
At approximately 2:51 p.m., a Virginia State Trooper was conducting stationary radar trap when a 2003 Honda Pilot SUV came through the trooper's radar at 77 mph in a 55 mph zone, according to state police.
Before the trooper could stop the SUV, the vehicle accelerated at a high rate of speed and made a sudden lane change towards the Greenwood Drive exit ramp. According to a criminal complaint field in court, she reached 100 miles an hour. She then lost control, ran off the roadway and hit several trees.
The SUV was occupied by the driver, 20-year-old Takiara Lewis-White, a 1-year-old infant, who was in a proper child safety restraint, and the two girls. The girls, 8-year-old Destiny Wilson and 5-year-old Shawnta Wilson, were unrestrained and were ejected from the SUV upon impact.
The trooper immediately rendered CPR and first aid to the two girls until the arrival of the paramedics. The one-year-old infant was taken to CHKD, and the driver was taken to Norfolk Sentara to be evaluated and later released back to the custody of the State Police.
The two girls were pronounced at the scene. Alcohol did not play a factor in the accident.
According to a Portsmouth Public Schools spokesperson, the girls would have been attending Westhaven Elementary School this year. They released the following statement Tuesday.
"Portsmouth Public Schools is deeply saddened by this tragedy. Destiny and Shawnta Wilson will be greatly missed by their teachers, peers and staff. Westhaven Elementary School will have a moment of silence in their memory this week. The School Psychologist is on site and will assist any students or teachers in coping with this loss. The Westhaven Elementary School Principal has also been in contact with the family." - Portsmouth Public Schools Spokesperson
Upon consultation with the Commonwealth Attorney's office, Takiara Dashall Lewis-White was arrested and charged with: Felony elude, driving while suspended, reckless driving by speed, two counts of second degree murder, and three counts of felony child neglect.
Ms. Lewis-White received no bond and is currently being held in Portsmouth City Jail.
