Two deadly hit-and-runs leave Prince George’s County residents grieving
Prince George's County mom killed in deadly hit-and-run crash
Tragedy has struck twice along Saint Barnabas Road in Oxon Hill, Maryland, where two deadly hit-and-run incidents have occurred in the past month, leaving families devastated and parents calling for justice. FOX 5's Shomari Stone has the story.
OXON HILL, Md. - Tragedy has struck twice along Saint Barnabas Road in Oxon Hill, Maryland, where two deadly hit-and-run incidents have occurred in the past month, leaving families devastated and parents calling for justice.
Berry Newton, the father of one of the victims, 37-year-old Portia Newton, is pleading for answers and hoping police will catch the driver responsible for his daughter’s death.
"It just takes away from the holiday spirit of not having a daughter with you," Berry Newton said, reflecting on the pain his family feels this Christmas season.
Portia Newton, a mother of two young daughters, ages 1 and 7 months, was struck and killed on Saturday, November 16, around 9 p.m. while walking on Saint Barnabas Road near Leisure Drive.
Police said the driver fled the scene, leaving her to die.
Prince George’s County Police have released a photo of the suspected vehicle: a white Chevy van with a "Precise Auto Detailz" logo on its side. They urge anyone with information to come forward.
Portia Newton was a Morgan State University graduate with a degree in biology, and was known for her love of art, fashion, music, and especially her favorite artist, Eminem.
"She was a loving mother and a bright soul," her father said.
In a separate incident along the same road, another woman was fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver on Wednesday morning. Police are working to locate the victim’s relatives and have identified the suspect and the vehicle involved in that case.
Berry Newton is urging drivers to slow down and pay closer attention to their surroundings, calling Saint Barnabas Road "dangerous."
Anyone with information about either of these hit-and-run crashes is encouraged to contact Prince George’s County Police.