Horror Hit-and-Run: Two Women Killed Crossing Street After World Cup Party — Shocking Video Captures the Moment.
A joyful night watching the World Cup turned into unimaginable tragedy for two New Jersey women who were struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while walking home in Newark. Mariana Elizabeth Valverde Beltran, 58, and Maria Isabel DeLosAngeles Salgado Ayala, 61, were crossing the intersection at Park Avenue and North 7th Street when a speeding vehicle barreled into them, sending both women airborne in a horrifying scene captured on street surveillance cameras.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office identified the suspect as 26-year-old David J. Zapata-Vera, who allegedly fled the scene after the deadly crash on Saturday night. The victims, who had been enjoying the soccer match together, were left fatally injured as the driver raced away without stopping to help.
A Night of Celebration Ends in Devastation Friends and family are mourning the loss of two vibrant women who were simply walking home after a fun evening. The video evidence shows the shocking speed and impact, raising serious questions about reckless driving and the failure to stop after causing such harm. Police are actively pursuing justice, with Zapata-Vera now wanted in connection with the double fatality.
This heartbreaking incident highlights the dangers pedestrians face even in familiar neighborhoods, especially late at night. What began as a celebration of sport and friendship ended in profound loss, leaving loved ones devastated and a community demanding answers. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety, responsible driving, and the devastating consequences when those rules are ignored.