A woman is facing serious charges after allegedly killing a 3-year-old boy and critically injuring his mother and twin sister in a hit-and-run incident during a fireworks show in Livonia, Michigan.
The tragic event occurred during the Livonia Spree festival on June 29, when 55-year-old Tammy Sandoval, who was driving without a valid license, struck the family while they were crossing the street and fled the scene.
The Tragic Incident
The incident took place around 10:45 p.m. at Lyndon Street and Merriman Road, near the site of the Livonia Spree festival, a popular event celebrating the city’s 75th birthday. Tia Robinson, 28, was crossing the street with her twin children when they were struck by a vehicle, which then sped away.
The traffic lights were flashing red for Lyndon and yellow for Merriman at the time, and witnesses quickly rushed to help, pulling the injured children from the roadway.
Sadly, 3-year-old Khalil Robinson succumbed to his injuries, while his mother and twin sister were critically injured. The family expressed disbelief over the senseless tragedy. “All they wanted to do was go and have fun at the carnival and the fireworks,” said Regina Robinson, the children’s grandmother.
“Why would anyone keep going without stopping, trying to see if they’re okay, and can they help? Can they save them instead of driving off?”
Sandoval’s Charges
Tammy Sandoval has been charged with several serious offenses, including one count of operating a vehicle with a suspended, revoked, or denied license causing death, and two counts of operating a vehicle with a suspended license causing serious injury.
Additionally, she faces charges for failure to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in death and serious injury.
The incident has raised questions about the driver’s responsibility, as prosecutors claim Sandoval was leaving the fireworks show when the crash occurred.
Her defense attorney, however, argues that Sandoval was unaware she had hit anyone. Sandoval appeared in court on Thursday but remained silent as the charges were read aloud. She is currently being held on a $600,000 bond and is scheduled for another court appearance on July 10.
Family’s Heartbreaking Loss
The family is grappling with the overwhelming loss of little Khalil. His grandfather, Michael Robinson, described the 3-year-old as a “special little child” who loved to dance and was always thoughtful, often sharing with his twin sister.
“He would always go and take stuff to his sister, so if I gave him a piece of candy, he would take one for his sister and take it in there to her,” Michael Robinson recalled.
For the Robinson family, this tragedy marks their first experience with such profound loss, and they are now facing long days of mourning ahead.
The Impact of the Crime
The death of Khalil and the injuries to his mother and twin sister have left the community in shock. The Livonia Spree festival, which was meant to be a joyous occasion celebrating the city’s milestone, has now been marked by this heart-wrenching incident.
Authorities and the community continue to seek justice for the Robinson family as they deal with the aftermath of this senseless act.
