GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — An 18-year-old driver will, in fact, face charges after hitting and killing a 4-year-old girl, injuring her sister and father in the Mall of Georgia's parking lot back in March, according to the Gwinnett DA.
District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson announced Tuesday that based on evidence she has seen, her office will now be bringing misdemeanor charges against the 18-year-old driver in the death last month of Abigail Hernandez.
However, she didn't specify which charges would be filed and didn't detail the evidence that led to the charges.
"The Hernandezes need us all now as a community to come together and do what justice requires," Austin-Gatson said. "...As I indicated we have been looking at this file for several weeks now and I just want the family to know that we fully intend to pursue justice on this case to the full constraints of the law."
The Gwinnett County Police Department previously said the driver who hit the three people "was not deemed to be driving recklessly as it pertains to Georgia Law."
However, the DA has now indicated there are grounds for charges.
At the time of the crash, investigators said the family was crossing Mall of Georgia Drive in front of Dick’s Sporting Goods and Von Maur when authorities said an 18-year-old driver of a 2004 White Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck was turning left and hit them.
An online fundraiser was set up for the 4-year-old, Abigail Hernandez, following the fatal crash to raise funds for the family.
The family wrote that this is every parent's "worst nightmare."
"Our sweet little Abby girl passed away. She fought her best to stay but ultimately God called her home. Unimaginable is the only word I have to describe this," the family wrote in the online fundraiser. "We thank you for your love and support during this time."