At a Glance
- A 75-year-old special-education teacher and her daughter’s dog were fatally injured in a hit-and-run on January 17, 2026.
- The crash occurred at the intersection of Evesham Road and Alpha Avenue near a crosswalk.
- The alleged driver, a 34-year-old juvenile detention officer, has been charged with second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident.
- Why it matters: The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns at a busy intersection and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws.
The hit-and-run that claimed the life of a beloved teacher and her dog unfolded on the evening of January 17, 2026 in Voorhees Township, New Jersey. The crash took place around 6 p.m. at the intersection of Evesham Road and Alpha Avenue, an area that had recently seen the installation of a crosswalk advocated by the victim.
The Crash
The vehicle struck the pedestrian and the dog at the crosswalk, causing both to suffer fatal injuries. The driver, identified as Shakira Carter, 34, fled the scene in a different vehicle before returning later. Officials noted that the crash happened on a street where the speed limit is 40 mph, a figure that local residents argue should be reduced to 25 or 35 mph for safety.
Victims
- Andrea Wilson – a 75-year-old special-education teacher who had been a dedicated advocate for pedestrian safety at the intersection.
- Ozzie – the daughter’s dog, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Wilson was pronounced dead at the hospital later that evening, while Ozzie died on the scene. The community has responded with flowers and teddy bears left at the crosswalk in Wilson’s honor.
Community Response
Neighbors and local residents have expressed concern about the ongoing danger of the intersection. Priyanka Sinha, a recent newcomer to the area, said, “It’s very scary to have children. I think the speed limit is 40 on that particularly highway, which could have been 25, 35. That would make it a little more safer.”
The outpouring of grief and the advocacy for better safety measures underscore the impact of the tragedy on the local community.
Suspect
Shakira Carter, a 34-year-old juvenile detention officer at the Camden County Juvenile Detention Center, was charged with second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident. Carter was suspended pending the investigation.
Legal Proceedings
Carter is currently facing charges and has been suspended from her position. The case is being handled by the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, which has urged anyone with information to come forward.
Contact Information
- Camden County Prosecutor’s Office
- Phone: 856-225-8083
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the office.
Key Takeaways
- A 75-year-old teacher and her dog were killed in a hit-and-run on January 17, 2026.
- The crash occurred at a crosswalk on Evesham Road and Alpha Avenue, an intersection that had recently seen safety advocacy.
- The alleged driver, a 34-year-old juvenile detention officer, has been charged and suspended.
- Community members call for lower speed limits to improve pedestrian safety.
- The incident highlights the need for stricter enforcement and better traffic safety measures in the area.
