Maywood man charged in fatal West Side hit-and-run
April 23, 2014 (CHICAGO)
Maurice McDowell, 32, of the 1800 block of South 10th Avenue, has been charged with three felonies -- one count each of aggravated DUI causing injury or death, leaving the scene of the accident causing injury or death and failure to report an accident. He is also charged with a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol, and another for driving under the influence of drugs.
Jennie Davis, 64, of the 5500 block of West Le Moyne Street, was struck by McDowell's vehicle driving westbound on North Avenue while crossing the street in the area of 5532 W. North Ave. about 9:40 p.m. Sunday, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office and police.
McDowell then made a U-turn and drove away, police said at the time.
Davis was taken to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, where she later died, police said.
McDowell also faces a parole violation for a previous offense. He is scheduled to appear in bond court Wednesday.
"He hit one parked car then he hit another car the lady was crossing the street in the intersection he hit her she flew up in the air and came down he sped off in his car," Sheila Davis, witness, said.
The vehicle, a Ford Focus, was recovered in the 1500-block of North Laramie, officials said. Officials have not said where they found the suspect.
Jennie Davis was walking across the street to the corner store when she was killed.
"She was nice. She didn't deserve this. Whoever did this, you need to turn yourself in. Do the right thing," Lula Beck, neighbor, said. "He could have stayed and made sure she was alight. Instead he chose to be stupid."
"She was just a beautiful person, a beautiful human being. Helped anybody she could," Carolyn Cannon said.
"She was a wonderful lady. She'd help you if you needed something to eat, she'd feed you. If you needed a place to stay, she'd give you a place to stay," Beck said.
Neighbors said cars often speed through that section of North Avenue.
"They need to put up cameras. They really need," Sheila Davissaid.
As a matter of fact, this is the third person I know that's been hit on North Avenue," Janice Harris said.
The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.