Delaware State Police reported a three-vehicle crash that claimed the life of a New Castle family member and resulted in the arrest of a Wilmington man. According to an official update from the Delaware State Police, the victims of the August 21 incident have been identified as Karisma Elivo-Stevens, 29, and her 10-year-old daughter Zamiyah Elivo.
The fatal encounter unfolded when Karisma, accompanied by her five daughters, was abiding by the law, her vehicle stationary at a traffic light, only for it to turn into a site of loss. The crash reportedly occurred as DeJuan Robinson, 26, believed to be traveling at a high rate of speed, entered the intersection against a red signal and collided with Elivo-Stevens' car, which was turning left on a green light. The impact was such that Karisma and Zamiyah perished at the scene while the remaining children, an 8-year-old, a 5-year-old, a 3-year-old, and a 1-year-old, were hospitalized with injuries that were deemed non-life-threatening. The driver of a Hyundai also experienced serious injuries.
Robinson, the driver of the Kia implicated in the deadly crash, sustained serious injuries and has since been apprehended by law enforcement; his apprehension not without earlier encounter, as troopers had previously stopped him but lost sight soon after he fled the traffic stop, a chase that was mercifully short-lived, no active pursuit by law enforcement ensued at that time. He now faces serious allegations including two counts of second-degree murder and other felony charges, as reported by Delaware State Police.
Robinson, now held on a $906,050 cash bond, was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 11. His attempt to flee from a traffic stop led to a devastating collision that shattered a family. The State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit is still investigating and urges witnesses to come forward with any information. The Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit reminds the public that they offer 24/7 support for those affected by this event or any other crime. They can be reached via their toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 or by email at [email protected].
