A horrifying incident unfolded in Pompano Beach, Florida, when a man allegedly ran over the mother of his child with his pickup truck. The incident occurred on Saturday morning in the 100 block of S.W. Eighth Street, according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. Pompano Beach Fire Rescue arrived at the scene to find two victims, a 29-year-old woman named Brenda Hernandez Amaya and a 32-year-old man.
Emergency medical personnel rushed Hernandez Amaya to the hospital, but despite their best efforts, she was pronounced dead. The male victim, who has not been named, sustained injuries that were not life-threatening.
Investigations revealed that Hernandez-Amaya and the suspect, identified as 32-year-old Edwin Amaya, were engaged in a heated argument over their shared child. The dispute took place in the parking lot of their apartment complex, with Edwin Amaya seated in his Ford F-250. It is alleged that during the argument, Edwin Amaya backed up his truck and then drove directly at Hernandez-Amaya, running her over.
Following the incident, Edwin Amaya reportedly crashed into several parked cars before fleeing the scene. The male victim attempted to hold onto the truck as Edwin Amaya drove away but was unsuccessful. Deputies reported that Edwin Amaya attempted to escape on foot but was apprehended nearby.
Family members told Miami NBC affiliate WTVJ that the couple shared a 2-year-old son. Hernandez-Amaya leaves behind two other children, including a 10-year-old daughter who witnessed the tragic incident. The young girl recounted her shock, saying, “I couldn’t cry. I couldn’t talk. I went downstairs, I started running.”
Local residents informed ABC affiliate WPLG that Edwin Amaya appeared to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. Edwin Amaya is currently facing a charge of premeditated murder and is being held at the Broward County Jail without bond.