Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, announced today that Aliyah Wilkes, 23, of Irvington was sentenced to four years in New Jersey State Prison yesterday by the Honorable Ronald D. Wigler, Presiding Essex County Criminal Division Judge, for leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash that resulted in the death of Wanda Dallas, 49, of Newark.
On Nov. 9, 2017 at approximately 9:30 p.m. Dallas was near a bus stop on her way to her second job at FedEx when she was struck by a BMW530i driven by Wilkes. Traveling on 16th Avenue and South 18th Street in Newark, Wilkes, who did not have a valid driver’s license, lost control of the car, hit a building and then struck Dallas. With two female passengers in the car, Wilkes then fled the scene and dumped the damaged car a few blocks away.
Dallas was transported to University Hospital where she was pronounced dead. After the car was broadcast in the press and on social media, Wilkes turned herself into authorities, who had already identified her as the registered owner of the car.
On Aug. 3 of this year, Wilkes pled guilty to leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
Assistant Prosecutor Tara Creegan, who handled the case, said, “This case tragically underscores why drivers who are involved in accidents must stop and render aid. Do not leave the scene of an accident; call for help. It’s not just the moral thing to do but failing to do so has serious criminal consequences.’’