CARY, NC – Controversy has erupted surrounding the death of 6-year-old Joselin Perez Hernandez, who was hit by a car while playing outside her home in Cary, North Carolina. The driver, Andrew Everett, 50, is now facing multiple charges. He allegedly drove at speeds 10 to 15 mph over the limit and showed no signs of attempting to brake before striking Hernandez.
According to a search warrant acquired by WRAL, officers arriving at the scene immediately noticed Everett’s “lack of remorse” and perceived impatience. “I’m not sure why this investigation is taking more than five minutes,” Everett reportedly said, blaming the young girl for the accident, using a derogatory term for mentally challenged individuals.
Police found drug paraphernalia in Everett’s car, and the lack of skid marks on the road suggested no attempt to stop before hitting the child. Hernandez was taken to a local hospital, where she later succumbed to severe brain and spinal injuries.
The girl’s father portrayed her as a loving child who enjoyed making people laugh, watching TV, and dancing. A family friend told WRAL, “He wants people to know that Joselin was a [caring] and very loving girl,” adding that everyone who had known her was deeply affected by her loss.
In response to the tragedy, the local community has come together to create a memorial, and a family friend confirmed that the display and subsequent police support is helping them cope with the tragedy.
Everett has been charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle, felony involuntary manslaughter, failure to reduce speed, exceeding the posted speed limit, and reckless driving. He remains in custody at the Wake County Jail under a $26,000 bond and will appear in court again on January 22.