Law enforcement source identifies driver accused of killing 4-year-old in hit-and-run
Updated: May 1 at 10:00 p.m.
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- We're learning new details about the man accused of running down a mother and daughter, killing the four-year-old girl Tuesday in Milwaukee.
A law enforcement source confirms the man is 30-year-old Donald Crayton. He was arrested after another crash Tuesday night in Wauwatosa.
We spoke with family of the victims who say with Crayton in custody, they can turn their attention to their loved ones.
"They say she keep going in and out of conscious so," said Kendell Hymes, Gloria Hymes' Uncle.
More than 24 hours after that black car took the life of Gloria Hymes' only child, Zekani Hymes, as the two crossed Teutonia Avenue to pick up a pizza, family tell us Gloria's injuries are more serious than broken bones, and they haven't been allowed to see her in the hospital just yet.
"Yeah, she really fighting for her life you know what I'm saying, and she don't know yet that her daughter passed away so. We just don't want to be prepared for two funerals," said Kendell Hymes.
Kendell Hymes got choked up, recalling how mother and daughter were inseparable.
It's apparent even on Gloria's Facebook page says, "Living for my baby." And with Mother's Day approaching, the Hymes' family is asking for prayers to heal the injuries Gloria's sustained both physical and emotional.
"And it was nothing that she could've did you know what I'm saying but sit there and watch her daughter die," said Kendell Hymes.
A memorial of flowers and teddy bears at the scene of the hit and run crash is growing. Those we saw on surveillance rushing to help when it happened are having a hard time too.
"It's devastating seeing a mother lay in the street and I'm holding her hand and all she wants to know is how her baby's doing and I have to lie to her, I have to tell her she's ok," said Elijah Hunt, Godfather of Zekani.
Charges against Crayton are expected to be referred to the district attorney's office in the coming days.
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The search for a hit-and-run driver accused of killing a little girl and injuring her mother, ended in Wauwatosa Tuesday night when a car crashed into a planter following a police pursuit. Officers took two people into custody, including a 30-year-old man they believe was driving the car that killed the little girl.
Wednesday, a law enforcement source reported to CBS 58, the person they believe was behind the wheel at the time of the hit-and-run crash was 30-year-old Donald Crayton of Milwaukee.
Officials identified the 4-year-old girl as Zekani Hymes. Her mother was identified by family as Gloria Hymes.
That car was ditched on a set of railroad tracks Tuesday. Fortunately, police grabbed it and can now process it for evidence.
Officers later observed a vehicle believed to be connected to the suspects involved in the hit-and-run near 83rd and Carmen and attempted to stop the car. The vehicle fled, eventually crashing in a parking lot near 72nd and North Avenue. Police say the driver, a 21-year-old woman, complied and was arrested, and the 30-year-old man fled but was apprehended. Both subjects were taken to area hospitals for medical clearance.
Police say charges regarding these individuals will be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office in the coming days.
The accident has rattled nerves in a city already dealing with a huge reckless driving problem.
"That is just straight (expletive). That is straight garbage," said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.
What happened along this busy stretch of Teutonia Avenue at lunchtime Tuesday got Mayor Cavalier Johnson fired up.
"The concern that I have is that they left. They got up and just left," said Mayor Johnson.
On surveillance, we're blurring the moment of impact, but it shows the car that hit the mother and daughter as they walked across the street at Teutonia and Vera to pick up a pizza order. The driver and a passenger get out and run to the woman and girl, but then the driver runs back to the car and takes off.
"And they cars was going really fast when they hit them," said Antoinette Jenkins, witness.
Antoinette Jenkins came running out of Domino's, joining a number of others you see on surveillance, who rushed to help.
"So I seen her take her last breath and I just walked away because it hurt," said Jenkins.
The 4-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene. Mom suffered broken bones.
"She was in here every day. Every single day we seen her and that baby. So it's like we losing a loved one," said Jenkins.
Hours after the accident, police found the car abandoned on railroad tracks off 81st Street, less than four miles away.
Now, a memorial is beginning to grow, and people are walking across Teutonia with hesitation.
"Because you never know what could happen at any second or moment," said Shanta Fowler, neighbor.
Neighbors pleaded with the driver responsible to come forward.
"They don't deserve to be on the street. I feel like they just be giving people they license just to give them they license," said Fowler.
"I'm just sad that that mother get to lose her child and Mother's Day's around the corner. So now she not get to have that hand to hold and I just hope she's okay," said Jenkins.
Anyone with information can call in a tip anonymously at 414-224-TIPS.