Tragic Hit-and-Run Claims Life of Eight-Year-Old Girl
A devastating hit-and-run incident in Boise, Idaho, has resulted in the death of eight-year-old Mora Gerety, with an illegal migrant from Honduras now facing charges. The tragic collision occurred on November 11 when Elvin Elgardo Ramos-Caballero, attempting to make a right turn at an intersection, struck the young girl as she was crossing the street.
Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly before 5pm, and Gerety was transported to hospital where she sadly passed away later that evening. Boise Police Chief Chris Dennison described the incident as "a parent's worst nightmare" and expressed heartfelt condolences to the victim's family and community.
Immigration History and Arrest Details
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Ramos-Caballero originally entered the United States illegally in September 2015 during the Obama administration and was subsequently released. Despite being ordered removed by a judge on May 6, 2016, after failing to appear at an immigration hearing, he remained in the country.
Homeland Security officials confirmed that Ramos-Caballero had obtained a driver's license from the state of Oregon before his arrest in connection with the fatal incident. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated in a DHS release that Gerety's "precious life was taken by an illegal alien who should have never been in our country".
Community Mourning and Family Tributes
The local community has been profoundly affected by the tragedy, with hundreds of residents attending a vigil to honour Mora Gerety's memory. Mourners left flowers, written messages, tied ribbons to nearby trees, and displayed photographs of the young victim.
Gerety's family described her as a child who "brought so many of us immeasurable joy" and expressed gratitude for the overwhelming community support. Speakers at the vigil remembered Mora as an active child who enjoyed basketball, football, soccer, mountain biking, skiing and swimming.
One family friend noted that Mora was "oh-so kind to each person she encountered" and a faithful friend with a wonderfully silly side that emerged when she was with close companions. The family's statement emphasised that they feel her loss "more deeply than words can hold".
McLaughlin's statement concluded with a political dimension, declaring that "decades of open border policies have turned every community into a border town" and warning that "these policies have deadly consequences".
