A six-year-old girl was killed and two other members of her family were seriously injured in a traffic accident that occurred on July 3 in Pitt County, North Carolina. The driver of the other vehicle was later indicted by a federal grand jury for illegally reentering the United States after being deported three times.
The Federal Prosecutor's Office reported that Jamie Santiago-Corona, 33 years old and a Mexican citizen, was charged on July 22 with the crime of illegal reentry of a previously deported foreigner.
According to authorities, the man allegedly failed to obey a stop sign and hit the vehicle driven by Kelli Toler, who was traveling with her two children on their way to have lunch before spending the day at a pool.
The minor died at the scene of the accident
As a result of the impact, 6-year-old Calli Toler died at the scene, while her mother and four-year-old brother suffered serious injuries.
Following the crash, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol filed several state charges against Santiago-Corona, including death by vehicle, a misdemeanor under state law.
Additionally, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued an immigration detainer and asked state authorities to keep the suspect in custody.
Prosecutor's Office affirms that he had been deported three times
According to the Federal Prosecutor's Office, Santiago-Corona had been expelled from the United States three times: on October 9, 2019, on June 12, 2023, and again on June 17, 2024.
If convicted of the federal charge of illegal reentry, he could face a maximum sentence of two years in prison, followed by new deportation proceedings.
The community remembers Calli Toler
Family and friends described Calli as a happy girl who dreamed of becoming a dancer.
His obituary notes that he was a student at Chicod Elementary School and that he “smiled and danced through life.” She also enjoyed attending church, doing crafts, playing T-ball, spending time with her younger brother, and taking care of her pets.
A dance studio she attended also paid tribute to the minor through a message on social networks, in which she highlighted her enthusiasm and the mark she left among classmates and teachers.
Those responsible for the center invited students and their families to wear brightly colored or shiny clothing as a way to remember the girl's joyful spirit.
On the other hand, friends of the family organized a fundraising campaign to help cover funeral and medical expenses resulting from the accident. According to organizers, the family faces a grieving process as the survivors' recovery continues.
