Fatal hit-and-run in Newark: two women killed in pedestrian crossing and driver flees without stopping

Two women died on the night of Saturday, June 20, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey, after being hit by a vehicle that did not stop and fled the scene. The accident occurred at the crosswalk at the intersection of Park Avenue and North 7th Street, in the Lower Roseville neighborhood (North Ward).

The account Breaking911 spread the case on June 24 with the headline: «Two women were killed in Newark Saturday night after being struck by a hit-and-run driver who fled the "scene". The attached clip corresponds to Eyewitness News (ABC7NY) coverage, which includes surveillance video of the crossing and interviews with witnesses and family members.

What the authorities say

According to the Essex County Prosecutor's Office and Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, police responded to the intersection around 11:00 p.m. after receiving reports that two pedestrians had been hit. The preliminary investigation indicates that both were crossing within a marked crosswalk when a vehicle traveling north on North 7th Street struck them and continued without stopping.

The victims were identified as Mariana Elizabeth Valverde Beltran, 58, a resident of Elizabeth, and Maria Isabel DeLosAngeles Salgado Ayala, 61, of Newark. They were taken to University Hospital, where they died shortly after, according to statements cited by Patch Newark, RLS Media and News 12 New Jersey.

As of June 24, 2026, authorities had not published an official description of the vehicle or announced any arrests. Anyone with information can call the Essex County Tip Line: 1-877-TIPS-4EC (1-877-847-7432).

Witnesses, family and neighborhood context

Eyewitness News published a report with surveillance video showing the two friends — who according to the network had just left a party to see the World Cup— crossing with yellow shirts. The car "crossed the intersection at full speed" and threw them into the air, according to the station's account.

A witness identified as Manuel Candelaria told ABC7 that the traffic light changed color and that the driver "stepped on the accelerator." After the impact, the driver of what looked like a red sedan continued on. That description comes from a witness in the media; The prosecution has not officially confirmed it.

Jeffrey Chacon, Beltran's cousin, told ABC7 that the family is trying to notify relatives in Ecuador: "It's something you have to live with for the rest of your life." Agents from a fire station located a few meters from the intersection immediately came to try to help the victims.

Residents of the section of Park Avenue have denounced excessive speed at various intersections for years. One resident, Judite, told ABC7 that she usually waits a few extra seconds even if the light is red "because they speed by."

In summary

What happened? Fatal hit at a pedestrian crossing, Saturday June 20, 2026, ~11:00 p.m. Where? Park Avenue and North 7th Street, Newark (NJ). Who died? Mariana Elizabeth Valverde Beltran (58, Elizabeth) and Maria Isabel DeLosAngeles Salgado Ayala (61, Newark). Did the driver stop? No; fled north on North 7th Street. Are there videos? Yes: surveillance and reporting by Eyewitness News (ABC7), also broadcast by Breaking911. Status of the investigation? Active; no arrests or official description of the vehicle as of June 24.