Authorities in Stockton, California, said that a car full of children below the legal driving age crashed into a tree, resulting in the death of an 11-year-old occupant. According to CBS News, the fatal incident occurred on Sunday, August 25, and the deceased minor was identified as Queen Marie Stacy Norwood.
Police said the children in the vehicle were aged between 11 and 15, adding that Norwood was among five female occupants. There was also a boy in the car.
“We have a party advising that one of the subjects that was ejected is not moving,” a first responder was heard saying over scanner audio in the wake of the fatal crash.
Norwood succumbed to her injuries in a hospital while the other minors received treatment for their injuries at a hospital, their family said. They are also expected to survive.
“I just woke up and I just heard a loud bang,” a neighbor said, adding that he was grateful the car did not plow into his home because of the tree. “But I’m just not grateful it happened at all because that was someone’s kids, and they were so young,” he also highlighted.
“I hope that they get through this eventually, but I’m sad that this happened to them,” the neighbor added.
Omer Edhah, who is the Stockton Police Public Information Officer, touched on whether or not charges will be brought against the parents. “The question will be, rightfully so, whether or not the parents will be charged or not,” Edhah said. “That all will be determined later on.”
Edhah also said they are trying to determine whether the children were wearing seatbelts and who was driving the car. Investigators are additionally trying to establish if the fatal crash occurred as a result of distracted driving, speeding or driving under the influence, CBS News reported.
“Be aware of your kids at all times and where they are and your keys,” Edhah warned.
