Police still hunting driver in deadly hit and run of two mothers

The car was later found abandoned in the Tawes Pen Meadows community.

Investigators are tightlipped at the moment, however, Old Harbour News understands that the unidentified driver is suspected to have been driving under the influence of alcohol following an alleged crime committed prior to being involved in the fatal hit and run accident which has left 13 children motherless.

The deceased women have been identified as Sharlene Shand, 41 and her close friend 51-year-old Maxine Banton, both of 27 Job Lane, Spanish Town.

According to the police Shand and Banton were among a group of ladies jogging along the roadway when a black Mazda Atenza motor car swerved from off the road and mowed down both women and a pedal cyclist. The driver miraculously managed to regain control of the vehicle before speeding away from the scene, the police said.

Banton died on the spot. Shand and the pedal cyclist were rushed to the nearby Spanish Town Hospital where she succumbed to injuries sustained, while the condition of the cyclist is said to be stable.

Two of Banton’s seven children were among the group of five joggers when the accident occurred.

Shand died leaving six children behind. Old Harbour News has also learnt that it was her first time going out to jog.

Since their death the community has been offering psycho-social support to the grieving families.

Condolences have also come from Member of Parliament Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, as well as the Crescent Primary School where Banton served as a co-opted member of its parent-teacher association.

The police are urging the driver of the vehicle to turn himself in, as well as encouraging members of the public to provide them with any information that may lead to his capture.