Woman Charged in Alleged Hit-and-Run that Killed 2 Young Children

A woman has been charged in connection with an alleged hit-and-run in an English town that left two children dead in February, say authorities.

On Saturday, Feb. 1, at about 6:25 p.m., Roman Casselden, 16, and Darcie Casselden, 9, of Pitsea, died following a collision between the e-scooter they were riding and a car, Essex Police said in a statement.

“The car failed to stop at the scene and a man and a woman — both in their 20s — were arrested a short time later on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision,” police said in the statement.

The next day, the woman was released on bail.

The man, who was not identified by police, was arrested and released under investigation, police said.

Seven months later, on Thursday, Aug. 28, the woman, identified as Deimante Ziobryte, 21, appeared in Basildon Magistrates’ Court after she was charged with failing to stop at the scene of a collision, police alleged in an update on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

She is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 8, 2026.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE‘s free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

“She remains on bail in connection with other driving offenses and our investigation into those is ongoing,” police said in the statement.

The man arrested at the time was told he faces no further action.

Tributes poured in after the tragic deaths of the brother and sister.

In a statement, their mother wrote that “Roman had a heart of gold, dedicating his time to working with children in the community. His warmth and generosity touched so many lives, bringing smiles, hope, and encouragement to those who needed it most. His legacy is one of selflessness, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the goodness of people.”

Calling Darcie “a soul filled with creativity and beauty, with a passion for art that reflected the depth of her spirit,” their mother said her daughter “painted the world with color and emotion, leaving behind a piece of herself in every stroke.

A GoFundMe was set up to help the family with funeral expenses and other needs.