Authorities have reported that a man from Mexico, facing multiple deportations and driving with a revoked license, was involved in a fatal collision that took the life of a 6-year-old girl from North Carolina last week.
Jaime Santiago Corona was behind the wheel of a Dodge Ram on July 3 when he allegedly ignored a stop sign, plowing into an SUV driven by 35-year-old Kelli Toler, who was in Pitt County with her two children at the time, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Following the crash, Toler and her 4-year-old son sustained serious injuries and were rushed to ECU Health Greenville. Tragically, her 6-year-old daughter, Calli Toler, was declared dead at the scene.
The investigation revealed Jaime Santiago Corona, from Mexico and living in the U.S. illegally, is accused of causing the crash that resulted in the death of young Calli Toler and injuries to her mother and brother. This incident adds to Corona’s history of having been deported from the country on three separate occasions. (Pitt County Sheriff’s Office)
An online fundraising campaign revealed that the Toler family was on a casual trip, planning to have lunch before heading to a swimming pool, when the tragic collision abruptly changed their lives.
“This monster caused a car crash that killed a 6-year-old girl and injured a mother and a 4-year-old,” said Department of Homeland Security (DHS) acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “This tragedy was 100% preventable. Our prayers are with Calli Toler and her family.”
Corona was charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle, failure to stop for a stop sign, careless and reckless driving and driving while a license is revoked.
He illegally reentered the U.S. three times, which is a felony, DHS said. Corona also has a history of driving under the influence.
His criminal history includes homicide-negligent manslaughter with a vehicle, multiple counts of obstruction of police, DUI, failure to appear and multiple traffic offenses, according to DHS.
A detainer hold has been issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Pitt County Sheriff’s Office told Fox News that it will cooperate with ICE.