Sacramento, CA (June 13, 2026) – A 9-year-old girl died, and a man was seriously injured following a hit-and-run involving a vehicle and a minibike near 36th Street and 19th Avenue in Sacramento on Thursday evening. Officers were called to the area shortly before 8 p.m. and found both injured parties on the roadway.
Both were taken to the hospital, where the girl later died. The man sustained serious injuries and is expected to survive. Investigators said the vehicle involved left before law enforcement arrived.
On Friday, police identified 30-year-old Miracle Meritt as the suspect. Meritt was arrested on felony hit-and-run and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter charges.
The investigation into the fatal collision remains active. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the young girl’s family and loved ones.
Why Hit-and-Run Cases Tend to Require Extensive Investigation
Hit-and-run investigations frequently involve reviewing witness statements, surveillance footage, and vehicle descriptions to identify the driver. Physical evidence left at the roadway can also help investigators connect a vehicle to the collision.
When serious injuries or fatalities occur, medical findings may be combined with roadway evidence to better understand the sequence of events. Investigators also examine vehicle damage, travel direction, and timing information. These pieces of information help establish what occurred before, during, and after the collision while providing a clearer picture of the circumstances surrounding the case.
