GRAND JURY INDICTS MAN FOR HIT AND RUN CRASH THAT INJURED YOUNG GIRLS PLAYING IN FRONT YARD
State v. Gabriel Fordham
The incident happened on March 29, 2019. According to the investigation, Fordham was allegedly driving recklessly at a high rate of speed as he traveled along Cherokee Valley Drive in Lithonia. The car went airborne as the driver attempted to negotiate a turn at the intersection of Cherokee Valley Circle. The car crash-landed into the front yard of a home in the 2200 block of Cherokee Valley Circle striking 9-year-old LaDerihanna Holmes as she played with a friend. The driver crawled out of the car and fled the scene without rendering aid or providing identification. Young LaDerihanna was transported to the hospital by her father. She sustained a fractured skull and a broken pelvis. Her friend, 11-year-old Alayshia Phillips, suffered minor cuts and bruises.
The incident was captured on home surveillance video and broadcast extensively. Fordham surrendered to authorities at the DeKalb County Jail three days later without incident.
Following indictment, the case will be scheduled for arraignment and set for trial. Fordham remains jailed without bond.