HARTFORD, CT – Connecticut police have arrested 30-year-old Melvin Daniels in connection with a hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of a toddler. The 1-year-old victim, identified as Camila Elizabeth Ramirez-Carcamo, had wandered into the middle of New Britain Avenue and was hit by a vehicle.
The tragic incident took place outside a laundromat on 36 New Britain Avenue, when the toddler wandered out of the laundromat’s open door into the street. Ramirez-Carcamo was found unresponsive on the street and was transported to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Daniels, suspected to be the driver involved, reportedly fled the scene in a black BMW 328xi, which was later located by the New Haven police. Following an extensive investigation, the Hartford Police Crime Scene Division issued a felony arrest warrant for Daniels, who voluntarily turned himself in to the Hartford Police Department.
In an interview with the police, Daniels expressed that he “had been involved in a crash in a prior year.” He faces charges of evading responsibility involving death, second-degree manslaughter, and having an illegally-tinted windshield. A prior conviction for failure to appear and disorderly conduct is also noted on Daniels’ record. He is currently being held on a $300,000 bond set by a judge and would be obligated to wear an electronic monitor if released on bond.
As for the toddler’s parents, they weren’t present during the court hearings on Monday. According to the police, it’s too early to say whether they potentially face charges as well.