Statement from AG Jennings on Tuesday’s fatal collision on Main Street

Attorney General Kathy Jennings released the following statement regarding yesterday’s fatal collision on Newark’s Main Street, which killed one victim and injured seven others:

“A student was murdered in broad daylight yesterday.

“Eight innocents were struck during the defendant’s attempt to evade law enforcement.  These students were not in the wrong place at the wrong time—they were nine young people out on a beautiful afternoon, enjoying the heart of one of our state’s crown jewel cities.

“Because of one person’s cruel and selfish decision, because of the defendant’s choice not to obey police officers, nine people were hurt.  One of them will never go home.

“The defendant stands to spend his life in prison. He is innocent until proven guilty; we intend to do just that.

“This is a tragedy—one that has to serve as a lesson. This is what you invite when you flee from the police, and we are not going to tolerate it.

“This happened because of the defendant’s snap decision, in a moment when law enforcement were attempting to keep pedestrians safe.  Main Street is the beating heart of downtown Newark and the University of Delaware. We have to guarantee its safety, and the right of every law-abiding Delawarean to enjoy a beautiful day without fear for their safety or their life.

“As an alumna, as a mother, and as Attorney General, I promise you this:  this defendant will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and I will not rest until we have found justice for what happened to these students.”