PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — A woman has been indicted in the death of two children who were hit while walking to school back in November 2023.
On Thursday, a grand jury indicted Olga Lugo Jiminez. She faces several charges including two counts of criminally negligent, manslaughter, and two counts of causing serious physical injury and or death to a vulnerable individual while operating a motor vehicle.
“We are pleased and satisfied, as well as the family is pleased and satisfied that we have moved in this direction and that Miss Jimenez will be held accountable," Prince George's County State Attorney Aisha Braveboy said.
On November 20, 2023, Sky Sosa, 5, and Shalom Mbah, 10, were both at an intersection near Riverdale Park Elementary School. They were in the crosswalk, a few feet from the school, when they were hit by a van.
“It was heartbreaking. It’s still heartbreaking to even think about," Braveboy said. "My job in this case is to seek justice.”
Both children were taken to an area hospital, where they later died from their injuries. Prince George’s County Police Chief Malik Aziz pointed out that the shortage of crossing guards in the county played a part in the kids’ death.
Although an indictment isn't a conviction -- Braveboy said her office is glad to see this case move a step forward.
Sosa's father was also hit, but survived from his injuries. All three were in the crosswalk just steps away from school when they were hit.
More than six months later we are learning new details about the crash.
“She was someone who was driving a passenger van that took community kids to school," Braveboy said. "However, she was not affiliated with the school system either, this was an independent passenger delivery service."
There was no crossing guard when this crash happened and over the past several months, county leaders have been working to improve the safety of streets around schools and also aggressively recruiting and hiring more crossing guards. Meanwhile, Braveboy is reminding drivers to be more be vigilant and to obey speed limits.
“People have to take responsibility," Braveboy said. "So it is a tough case because we know that Miss Jimenez did not intend to hurt or harm anyone.”
If convicted, Jiminez could face up to six years behind bars. Her next court appearance is July 5th.
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