Cary driver showed 'lack of remorse' for 6-year-old he is charged with killing
A Cary man charged with hitting and killing a 6-year-old girl showed a lack of remorse and used derogatory language at the scene of the crash, according to a report.
Police said 6-year-old Joselin Perez Hernandez was struck by a car Friday in front of her home on Walnut Street, across from R.S. Dunham Park in Cary.
The crash occurred just before noon. Joselin was taken to WakeMed with brain and spine injuries and died a short time later.
The driver, Andrew Brady Everett, 50, of Cary, was charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle, felony involuntary manslaughter, failure to reduce speed, exceeding the posted speed limit and careless and reckless driving.
A growing memorial of stuffed animals and flowers in Joselin's front yard marks the spot where the girl was hit. Family members said Joselin was playing outside near the sidewalk in front of her house when a car suddenly hit her.
A search warrant obtained Tuesday by WRAL News references Everett's "lack of remorse" at the time of the crash. The search warrant states Everett complained to police that the investigation was taking too long and that he used derogatory language when talking about the girl.
According to the report, which contains notes from witnesses to the crash and investigators, Everett told responding officers the crash was not his fault and claimed no one was watching Joselin.
Everett also claimed that Joselin jumped out in front of him, according to the report. However, officers noted the driver's delayed reaction time, in addition to a lack of skid marks on the road, which suggest he did not attempt to brake abruptly.
A witness reported Everett was driving between 10 to 15 mph over the posted speed limit. The report also references drug paraphernalia found inside Everett's car.
Joselin's father said he had no comment on Everett's statements to police, instead he spoke about his daughter and said she loved making people smile, watching TV and "dancing the day away."
"He wants people to know that Joselin was a caring and very loving girl," a friend of the family said. "The people that met her are hurt by the news."
In a brief court appearance on Tuesday, Everett's bond was set at $26,000. He was appointed a public defender with a next court date of Jan. 22.
A neighbor who lives along the street told WRAL News she heard screaming and ran outside — and saw her neighbor’s child had been hit.
Everett was driving a blue Honda Fit. Throughout the afternoon, that car was stopped in the middle turn lane, with visible damage to the front right side and a cracked windshield.
Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht provided the following statement: “Our deepest condolences go out to the grieving family facing the untimely death of their child. Our community stands united in support, offering strength and compassion to all those affected by this profound loss.”
The family friend said the family is preparing for Joselin's funeral and helping her older brother cope with the loss.
"The police is helping them out with everything [and] the family is coming to visit them," they said. "The warmth and peace helping the out [and] the community came out and left roses, that is what helping them cope."
The family is working on funeral arrangements, but said all who knew Joselin would be invited.
