A North Carolina man accused of fatally striking a 6-year-old girl with his vehicle reportedly became angry when questioned by the police, placing blame on the child while calling her an offensive term.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by WRAL, Andrew Everett, 50, exceeded the speed limit by 10 to 15 mph when he hit Joselin Perez Hernandez at 11:15 a.m. on Friday. Joselin was struck while playing outside her Cary home on Walnut Street, police said, near R.S. Dunham Park.
Following the incident, first responders rushed Joselin to the hospital with spine and brain injuries. She subsequently passed away.
Responding officers noted that Everett, who allegedly had drug paraphernalia in his car, displayed a “lack of remorse” and became impatient while being questioned.
“I’m not sure why this investigation is taking more than five minutes,” he told investigators, according to the warrant. “It wasn’t my fault, no one was watching her and she jumped out in front of me…That re***d.”
Officers noted, however, that there were no skid marks on the road, which could mean that Everett had a delayed reaction and failed to brake properly.
Everett was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter, failure to reduce speed, exceeding the posted speed limit and careless and reckless driving, and death by motor vehicle.
His bail has been set at $26,000 and his next court appearance is scheduled for January 22.
The victim’s father “wants people to know that Joselin was a caring and very loving girl,” a family friend told WRAL. “The people that met her are hurt by the news.”
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[Feature Photo: Joselin Perez Hernandez/Family Handout]
