Two New Jersey Women Killed by Hit-and-Run Driver While Walking Home from World Cup Watch Party

Newark, New Jersey — Two women were tragically killed in a hit-and-run crash in Newark while walking home from a World Cup watch party, authorities said. Horrifying surveillance video captured the moment a speeding car struck the pair in a crosswalk, sending them airborne.

The victims were identified as Mariana Elizabeth Valverde Beltran, 58, of Elizabeth, and Maria Isabel DeLosAngeles Salgado Ayala, 61, of Newark. Both women were pronounced dead at University Hospital after the crash.

The incident occurred Saturday night at the intersection of Park Avenue and North 7th Street. The women, who had just left a World Cup viewing event, were crossing the street when a vehicle barreled through the intersection and struck them. The driver did not stop.

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Suspect identified and in custody

Essex County prosecutors identified the suspect as David J. Zapata-Vera, 26. He surrendered to police and faces charges including second-degree vehicular homicide.

Video footage from the scene shows the chaotic aftermath, with bystanders reacting in horror. The vehicle involved was later described in reports as a dark-colored sedan.

Friends and family of the victims have expressed profound grief over the loss of the two women, who were enjoying a night celebrating soccer before their lives were cut short in a senseless crash. The investigation remains active as authorities work to piece together the full circumstances of the incident.