6-YEAR-OLD INJURED IN CHRISTMAS DAY HIT-AND-RUN IN ROBERTSON CO. DIES IN HOSPITAL
A 6-year-old boy injured in a Robertson County hit-and-run Christmas morning has died.
(Robertson Co. Jail)
According to DPS, Triton Howell was airlifted to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, after undergoing emergency treatment at CHI St. Joseph in Bryan. After being in critical condition there for roughly two days, Howell passed away just before 1 a.m. this (Friday) morning.
The incident occurred just after 10 a.m. Christmas morning on FM 46, near Morgan Lane. According to DPS, the child was riding a 4-wheeler at home before pulling out into the middle of the street. He was then struck by a pickup truck, driven by 18-year-old Katlyne Martinez of Franklin.
DPS says Martinez fled the scene, but stopped about five miles away when her truck broke down.
Martinez was arrested and initially charged with Failure to Stop and Render Aid Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, a third-degree felony. DPS officials say her charges will likely be enhanced to Failure to Stop and Render Aid Resulting in Death, a second-degree felony.
An account benefitting Howell has been set up at Robertson County Bank in Franklin. Donations can be made to assist Howell’s family at any of the bank’s locations.
Lot of variables could be involved.
Prayers going out for all of those in this situation ? Amen ?
This is a sad story all the way around. Why was a 6 year allowed to drive a four-wheeler?!?! Unfortunately, this accident will ruin this young ladies life. She should not have fled the scene, but I’m sure she panicked and used poor judgment. Just as the 6 year old used poor judgment pulling out into the middle of the road. I don’t mean that to criticize the little boy. He is just that – a little boy. The poor judgment here lies with his parents (or other person) that allowed him to operate the four wheeler. Please let this devastating accident be a warning to all these parents out there that think it’s ok for children to drive ATV’s. They are not toys.
He was 6. It was Christmas Day. Not a good time to criticize a 6 year old for having poor judgement. I don’t know where the parents were. None of us do since we were not there. I’m lifting the family and the driver up in prayer.
My point was that a 6 year is too young to have the judgement needed to operate an ATV – not that it was his fault in any way. Unfortunately, that responsibility lies with whoever allowed him to drive it by himself and sadly this is something they will live with the rest of their lives. I do feel for all the families involved. But the media seems quick to demonize the 18 year old girl. True, she should not have fled. But all seem to be ignoring the fact that young children should not be operating ATVs!!!
Yes this is a SAD story all the way around… BUT I have a 3, yes THREE year old that rides a four wheeler alone all the time. We have no worries when he is on it. So as I said yes this is a sad story and there may be fault on both sides, but don’t make the point be a young child was on a four wheeler.
How horrible for all involved, I gave to ask if the child 6 years old was on the 4 wheeler by his self and where were the adult supervision.
I pray for everyone in this case.