December 9, 2010 – Indianapolis, IN – A tragic hit and run accident on the south side of Indianapolis resulted in the death of a 16-year-old Perry Meridian High School student and injury to her 19-year-old sister around 11 p.m. on November 27.
According to reports from WTHR.com, the fatal hit and run accident took place near the intersection of Shelby and Madison when a white Nissan allegedly being driven by 21-year-old Israel Espinosa crashed into an SUV being driven by 19-year-old Kayla Ratliff; her sister, 16-year-old Megan Ratliff was a passenger. The SUV was stopped at a traffic signal when the car accident occurred.
The impact of the Nissan striking the SUV caused Megan Ratliff to be partially ejected from the vehicle, which then rolled on its side. Megan Ratliff did not survive her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Kayla Ratliff was taken to Methodist hospital for medical treatment and was released the following Monday. The driver of the Nissan immediately fled on foot after the crash.
That driver has since been identified as Israel Espinosa, who is currently wanted by police and is facing multiple felony charges. Police believe alcohol may have been involved in the fatal hit and run accident as open containers of alcohol were discovered in the Nissan. Espinosa was not the owner of the white Nissan involved in the hit and run accident but the vehicle’s owner is cooperating with local police.
Any information concerning the whereabouts of Israel Espinosa should be reported to the IMPD or Crime Stoppers: 317-262-TIPS.