Man charged in connection with hit-and-run that killed toddler



MILWAUKEE (WITI) --  A 24-year-old Milwaukee man has been charged in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred near S. 6th Street at W. Hayes on Wednesday evening, November 27th. An 18-month-old girl died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

Thomas Walker is facing one count of hit-and-run, resulting in death, one count of knowingly operating a vehicle while suspended and one count of hit-and-run, injury. Walker is accused of driving the rental truck that struck two pedestrians crossing S. 6th Street at W. Hayes.

Milwaukee police were called to the scene just before 4:30 p.m. Officials say 21-year-old Cheyenne Jackson and 18-month-old Erieanna Matousek were both struck by the rental truck. Walker fled the scene.

Police say the toddler was in her mother’s arms at the time of the accident. The two were walking westbound across S. 6th Street in a crosswalk when a rental truck turned southbound onto S. 6th Street from Hayes, striking the mother and child.

Milwaukee police found Walker in the crawl space of a home on Milwaukee’s north side late Thursday evening, November 28th.

According to the criminal complaint, Walker told police he was unaware that he hit anyone, claiming he didn't hear or feel anything collide with the rental truck -- even though a man who followed him told him he had caused an accident.

The complaint says Walker was convinced by watching a report on the news -- and he then slumped over and began crying.

Walker was in court on Tuesday, December 3rd, where he was tearful throughout the proceeding.

Brad Matousek, Erieanna’s father was in court on Tuesday.

"Just wanted to come in and see what he's gonna get man. Hopefully he gets what he gets," Matousek said.

Walker's cousin was also in court.

"I mourn for, you know, the loss of the baby and the mother and the rest of the family because I have a 16-month-old myself. But I still love him. I do and I'm going to support him," Walker's cousin said.

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