The Tragic Events on Hunting Park Avenue

According to Patch, the deadly chain of events unfolded around 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the intersection of North Front Street and East Hunting Park Avenue. Neely was allegedly behind the wheel of a stolen Kia SUV carrying four other teenage girls ranging from 14 to 17 years old.

Surveillance footage shows the Kia blowing through a red light at high speed before violently slamming into a motorcycle being driven by 55-year-old Wilberto Casillas. The devastating impact killed Casillas, a father of five, at the scene.

In the chaos that followed, police say Neely and the four juvenile passengers attempted to flee on foot after stopping the heavily damaged Kia about 1,000 feet away. However, all five were swiftly apprehended by responding officers.

Grave Charges for Senseless Loss of Life

Given the egregious circumstances, District Attorney Larry Krasner announced Neely will be charged as an adult for his alleged role as the driver in Casillas’s death. The 17-year-old faces counts of:

• Third-degree murder
• Accidents involving death
• Homicide by vehicle
• Fleeing and eluding police
• Accidents involving death while not licensed
• Criminal conspiracy
• Theft
• Involuntary manslaughter
• And related crimes

The four juvenile passengers face charges of receiving stolen property, conspiracy, evading arrest, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

A Senseless, Devastating Loss

The fatal hit-and-run has devastated Casillas’s loved ones and Philadelphia’s tight-knit community. Those who knew the victim remember a devoted family man who worked hard to provide for his wife and children.

“He was a great father, a great husband, always working to support his family,” said longtime friend Jose Hernandez. “To have his life cut short in such a senseless way is just unimaginable.”

As the court proceedings play out, the Casillas family and community are left grappling with an immeasurable loss – one that’s only compounded by the shocking ages of the alleged perpetrators. The incident sparks challenging conversations about youth criminality, public safety, and working to prevent such tragedies. I sincerely hope you find this “Philadelphia DA Announces 3rd-Degree Murder Charge for Teen in Fatal Hit-and-Run? What’s the Story?” article helpful.

Skylar Lacey

Skylar Lacey, a Travel and Tourism Management graduate from Temple University, offers 5 years of experience in travel writing and airport logistics at PhiladelphiaAirport.net. Her expertise helps travelers make the most of their journeys through Philadelphia International Airport. Connect with her on Instagram for more travel tips and insights.

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