Indy man charged with fatal hit-and-run after woman killed while walking to work

INDIANAPOLIS -- An Indianapolis man has been charged with reckless homicide and leaving the scene of a deadly crash after a fatal hit-and-run on the city's northeast side. On a Monday afternoon in early May, police were called to German Church Road just north of 42nd Street, where a 58-year-old woman was killed after being hit by a driver who fled the scene. The force of the collision severed one of the victim's legs. That innocent victim, Annie Torres, had likely been dead for close to 36 hours before being discovered by her family, who began searching for her after she failed to show up to work. "It's been rough. I had her with me my whole life. That's my big sister," said the victim's sister Theresa Torres. Annie’s sister and niece said she often walked to work at a Walmart on Pendleton Pike where she worked for a decade. A small memorial has now been set up along German Church by one of Annie's coworkers. "It's nice to see how many people truly cared for her, not just family, but coworkers, friends and everybody," said the victim's niece Stephanie Karwick. According to court records, the victim was walking north when she was hit from behind by a driver who had crossed over the center line and was driving on the wrong side of the road, causing the fatal crash. Prosecutors claim car parts belonging to a blue Cadillac were found at the scene, and police used license plate readers to track down that damaged car. An arrest warrant has been issued for 24-year-old Jalen Donahue, after police allegedly found the damaged Cadillac in his garage. Although the suspect refused to take responsibility, police believe he was trying to pass a Jeep and was driving north in the southbound lane at the time of the collision. "I know it can be difficult to step forward and say you messed up, but that's the first step to healing for everybody," said Torres. IMPD also claims cell phone records place Donahue near the scene of the crash. Court documents claim police received an anonymous tip that there was a passenger in the striking vehicle, but the alleged passenger would not give a statement to investigators. Annie’s family just hopes her death reminds everyone to be careful behind the wheel. "Just take a moment to pay attention, you know," said Torres. "The people that run from the situation without taking accountability, you've got to be responsible.  It's disappointing more than anything," said Karwick. Once the warrant is served, the suspect will be temporarily held without bond pending his initial hearing.