As she tried to walk across Clairmont Road last week, Linda Powell was struck by two different drivers and neither stopped. By the time help arrived, Powell had died from her injuries.
But thanks to help from witnesses along with traffic and security cameras in the area, those two suspected hit-and-run drivers were arrested Monday, according to Brookhaven police. Koechiesta Rajiv Smith, 51, of Atlanta, and Huge Valente, 21, of Brookhaven, were charged with felony hit-and-run, police Lt. Jake Kissel said.
“The investigation into both individuals is still ongoing and additional charges may be filed at a later date,” Kissel said in a statement.
Powell, 55, was on her way to work when she was hit Thursday near the intersection with Canmont Drive, according to investigators and her family. Witnesses reported that two drivers had hit Powell, but neither stopped to help, Kissel said.
Powell was not in a crosswalk at the time, according to investigators.
On a GoFundMe page created to assist with funeral costs, Powell’s daughter said her mother had a “heart of gold” and loved to help others.
“She would spend an entire day cooking meals and then taking food to the homeless people around Atlanta,” Amanda Whitaker said. “She adored her grandchildren and was maternal to everyone that was fortunate enough to know her. She lived her life helping others and worrying about everyone she loved.”
Funeral services were pending Monday at J.C. Harwell and Son in Covington. Whitaker said anyone is welcome to attend the funeral once it is planned.
“She lived her life caring for others and it would mean so much to us if we could all come together and show her how loved she was and still is at her services,” the daughter said on the fundraising page.
Smith and Valente were booked into the DeKalb County Jail, where both were being held without bond Monday afternoon, booking records show.
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