Dartmouth teen facing homicide charge for fatal New Year's hit-and-run in New Bedford

"Prosecutors have identified a suspect in a New Bedford hit-and-run that claimed the life of a woman who was leaving a New Year's church gathering. A 16-year-old from Dartmouth has been charged with negligent motor vehicle homicide and leaving the scene resulting in death, according to the Bristol County District Attorney's Office. The suspect is expected to be arraigned Monday in New Bedford juvenile court."

"Nicolasa Ventura Colaj, 33, of New Bedford, was killed just after midnight Jan. 1 when she was struck by an SUV, the DA's office said in a statement Saturday. She was crossing the street as she and her family exited a church gathering at 1805 Acushnet Ave. Colaj was "thrown a distance" by the impact, and the SUV fled the scene, prosecutors said. Emergency responders brought her to a nearby hospital, but she was pronounced dead shortly after her arrival."

"New Bedford police confirmed Friday that they had "identified, located, and seized" the vehicle that hit Colaj. The following day, they announced that the 16-year-old suspect was in custody. "This was a thorough and relentless investigation carried out under extremely difficult circumstances," New Bedford Police Chief Jason Thody said on Facebook. "While nothing can undo this tragic loss, we are committed to seeing this investigation through and ensuring Nicolasa's family sees accountability and justice.""

Nicolasa Ventura Colaj, 33, of New Bedford, was struck and killed just after midnight on Jan. 1 by an SUV while crossing the street after leaving a New Year's church gathering at 1805 Acushnet Ave. A 16-year-old from Dartmouth has been charged with negligent motor vehicle homicide and leaving the scene resulting in death and is expected to be arraigned in New Bedford juvenile court. New Bedford police located and seized the vehicle and took the suspect into custody after an investigation. Colaj was a Guatemalan immigrant who worked at a local fish house and leaves three children; community members gathered outside her church and a fundraiser was started to cover expenses.

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