At a Glance
- A 75-year-old woman and her dog were killed in a hit-and-run in Voorhees Township on Jan. 17, 2026.
- The alleged driver, 34-year-old Shakira Carter, fled the scene but returned in a different vehicle.
- Carter has been charged with second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident and is suspended from her job at the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission.
Why it matters: The incident highlights the dangers of hit-and-runs and the swift legal response to such crimes in New Jersey.
A hit-and-run on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, left a 75-year-old woman and her dog dead in Voorhees Township, New Jersey. The crash happened at the intersection of Evesham Road and Alpha Avenue around 6 p.m. officials announced the incident on Tuesday.
Incident Details
The collision occurred in the area of Evesham Road and Alpha Avenue at about 6 p.m. on Saturday. The 75-year-old woman, who is from Cherry Hill, was pronounced dead at the hospital later that evening. Her dog was pronounced dead at the scene.
Key Facts
- Location: Evesham Road and Alpha Avenue, Voorhees Township
- Time: Approximately 6 p.m.
- Date: Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026
- Victims: 75-year-old woman, her dog
- Suspect: 34-year-old Shakira Carter
Victim and Vehicle
The woman was from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, but her name has not been publicly identified. She was traveling in a vehicle that was struck by the suspect’s car. The dog, which was in the vehicle, did not survive the impact.
Suspect and Charges
Shakira Carter, a 34-year-old resident of Cherry Hill, initially fled the scene. She later returned in a different vehicle. Carter was charged with second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident on Monday. She is an employee of the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission and has been suspended pending the matter.
Legal Status
- Charge: Second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident
- Employment: Employee of the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission
- Current Status: Suspended
Contact Information
Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office at 856-225-8083. The office is working to gather evidence and identify the suspect.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 17, 2026 | ~6 p.m. | Crash at Evesham Road & Alpha Avenue |
| Jan. 17, 2026 | Evening | Victim pronounced dead at hospital |
| Jan. 17, 2026 | Evening | Dog pronounced dead at scene |
| Jan. 18, 2026 | Morning | Suspect charged and suspended |
| Jan. 20, 2026 | Tuesday | Officials announce incident |
Key Takeaways
- Hit-and-runs can result in fatal outcomes for both humans and animals.
- The suspect’s quick return in another vehicle indicates a potential attempt to evade law enforcement.
- The New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission has suspended the employee pending investigation.
- Community members are encouraged to provide any information to the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office.
Final Thoughts
The tragic loss of a 75-year-old woman and her dog underscores the importance of road safety and accountability. The swift charging of Shakira Carter and her suspension from her role at the Juvenile Justice Commission demonstrate the seriousness with which New Jersey treats hit-and-run offenses. Residents are urged to stay alert and report any suspicious activity related to this case.
