Newark, NJ (June 23, 2026) – Two women were killed in a hit-and-run crash at the intersection of Park Ave and North 7th St in Newark on Saturday night.
According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the fatal collision occurred at approximately 11 p.m. on Saturday, June 20. Mariana Elizabeth Valverde Beltran, 58, of Elizabeth, and Maria Isabel DeLosAngeles Salgado Ayala, 61, of Newark, were walking in a crosswalk when they were struck by a vehicle.
Prosecutors said the driver continued northbound on North 7th St and left the area without stopping. Both women were taken to University Hospital, where they died from their injuries.
The search for the driver remains active as investigators work to identify the vehicle involved. We extend our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of Mariana Elizabeth Valverde Beltran and Maria Isabel DeLosAngeles Salgado Ayala.
What Is Commonly Reviewed in Fatal Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Cases?
Fatal hit-and-run cases often involve a detailed review of physical evidence and available witness information. Investigators may examine surveillance footage from nearby businesses, homes, and traffic cameras to track a vehicle’s path before and after contact with pedestrians.
Vehicle debris left on the roadway can also provide valuable clues. Pieces such as mirrors, headlights, paint fragments, or other components may help identify a specific make or model. Witness accounts can further assist in establishing a timeline and describing the vehicle involved.
Crosswalk markings, street lighting, traffic signals, and visibility conditions are frequently reviewed during the fact-finding process. In many pedestrian fatalities, investigators work to determine the movements of everyone involved and reconstruct the sequence of actions leading up to the collision. These findings can help create a clearer picture of what occurred during the moments before the tragedy.
