Newark, New Jersey — Two New Jersey women were killed after they were struck by a vehicle while walking home from a World Cup watch party, ending what had been an evening of celebration in tragedy.
Authorities say the fatal hit-and-run occurred Saturday night at a Newark intersection, where the women were crossing the street when they were hit by a speeding vehicle. Investigators later identified a suspect who surrendered to police several days after the crash.
The incident remains under investigation as family members mourn the sudden loss of their loved ones.
Two Women Fatally Struck While Crossing Street
According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Mariana Elizabeth Valverde Beltran, 58, and Maria Isabel DeLosAngeles Salgado Ayala, 61, were crossing the intersection of Park Avenue and North 7th Street when the collision occurred.
Authorities said the women had been walking home after attending a World Cup watch party. Both victims suffered critical injuries in the crash and were transported to University Hospital Newark, where they were later pronounced dead.
The devastating collision has left relatives and friends struggling to cope with the loss.
Surveillance Video Captures Crash
Investigators said surveillance cameras recorded the moments leading up to the collision. According to authorities, the footage shows a vehicle traveling through the intersection before striking both women with significant force.
One witness claimed the driver accelerated as the traffic signal was changing.
“I don’t know if he was drunk, but anyway, he put the gas and that’s what happens,” witness Manuel Candelaria said.
Officials have not announced whether impairment played a role in the crash, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Suspect Surrenders Days Later
Police identified the suspect as David J. Zapata-Vera, 26, of Newark.
Authorities said he surrendered to law enforcement on Tuesday, three days after the fatal collision.
Prosecutors have charged him with:
- Two counts of second-degree vehicular homicide
- Two counts of second-degree leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in death
- Two counts of third-degree endangering an injured victim
According to jail records, Zapata-Vera is currently being held in the Essex County jail without bond.
Court proceedings are expected to continue as prosecutors move forward with the criminal case.
Family Members Mourn Devastating Loss
The sudden deaths have deeply affected the victims’ families, both in New Jersey and abroad. Relatives described the emotional toll of losing loved ones in such a tragic and unexpected manner.
Beltran’s cousin, Jeffrey Chacon, spoke about the lasting impact the incident will have on everyone involved.
“You have to live with this for the rest of your life. I hope the person is found but also for that person it’s something you have to live with for the rest of your life, it’s on your conscience.”
He also described the difficult task facing family members as they notified relatives living in Ecuador.
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“My dad is managing his emotions with trying to contact everyone in Ecuador, her sisters, her son.”
The heartbreaking loss has prompted an outpouring of sympathy from members of the community as loved ones remember the two women.
Investigation Continues
Authorities continue reviewing surveillance footage, witness statements, and other evidence as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The case also serves as another reminder of the devastating consequences of hit-and-run collisions and the importance of remaining at the scene following any traffic accident involving injuries.
As the legal process moves forward, the families of Mariana Elizabeth Valverde Beltran and Maria Isabel DeLosAngeles Salgado Ayala continue mourning two lives tragically cut short.
What are your thoughts on hit-and-run penalties and pedestrian safety? Do you believe stronger enforcement or additional safety measures could help prevent similar tragedies? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
