Crash Kills Mother Walking Across Street

A crumpled baby stroller and some freshly-bought groceries lay strewn about the sidewalk and street after two-vehicle collision at Williams and Flatlands avenues sent a van spinning into a mother and her child Tuesday. The mother, a Breukelen Houses resident, was killed. The baby is in the hospital in critical condition.

Infant In Stroller Critically Injured...

By Charles Rogers

A mother wheeling her 9-month-old baby across the intersection of Williams and Flatlands avenues was killed Tuesday when she was hit by a van involved in a collision, police said. The infant, who remained in the crushed stroller, was critically injured.

Christine Hunnicut, 39, a resident of Breukelen Houses, and her daughter, Mya Chapman, were both taken to Brookdale Hospital, where Mrs. Hunnicut was pronounced dead.

Police said the 1994 Ford van was traveling east on Flatlands Avenue when it attempted to turn north on Williams Avenue and was struck on the passenger side by a 2001 Nissan Altima. The van then spun around, rear first, into the intersection where it struck Mrs. Hunnicut and the baby, throwing both about 20 feet.

Detectives from the 69th Precinct, along with Highway Accident Investigation Squad officials conducted an investigation and determined there would be no criminal charges to either driver. The van was driven by Robert Romano, 19, of 19th Avenue, Brooklyn, and the Nissan was driven by Anthony Finley, 18, of Elmont, Long Island.

"It’s such a tragedy, especially at this time of year," said one resident of the nearby housing project who knew the victim. "The mother was just coming back from the market with the baby and a few groceries. She was really looking forward to this Christmas."

As in most fatal accidents, a crime scene was established and police blocked Flatlands Avenue traffic while they continued their investigation. Hours later, the crumpled stroller remained on the street with groceries strewn next to it.

Neighbors said family members and friends of Mrs. Hunnicut were devastated as they held a vigil at the hospital awaiting further news about the condition of the infant.