Jaime Santiago Corona, a 35-year-old Mexican national, was charged with misdemeanor death by vehicle and other offenses after a July 3 crash in Pitt County, North Carolina. Corona, who has been deported three times, allegedly ran a stop sign while driving a Dodge Ram pickup truck with a revoked license, colliding with an SUV carrying Kelli Toler and her two children. Toler’s 6-year-old daughter, Calli, died at the scene, while Toler and her 4-year-old child were hospitalized with serious injuries.
Corona faces charges including failure to stop for a stop sign, careless and reckless driving, and driving while a license is revoked. He also has a felony charge for illegally re-entering the U.S. after multiple deportations. His criminal history includes homicide-negligent manslaughter with a vehicle, DUI, and obstruction of police, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
An ICE detainer has been issued, and the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office confirmed cooperation with federal authorities. The crash occurred as the Toler family was en route to lunch before visiting a swimming pool. DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis called the tragedy "100% preventable" and expressed condolences to the family.