WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. – The woman accused of killing a 3-year-old boy and injuring his twin sister and mother in a hit-and-run crash in Livonia was sentenced to at least five years in prison.
Tammy Sandoval, 55, of Mt. Morris, pleaded guilty to charges of operating while license suspended, revoked, or denied, causing serious injury and death, as well as failure to stop at the scene of an accident causing serious impairment or death.
The crash happened at about 10:45 p.m. on Sunday, June 29, on Merriman Road near Lyndon Street in Livonia.
Tia Robinson, 28, of Detroit, and her 3-year-old twins were crossing the street after attending the Livonia Spree when they were allegedly struck by Sandoval, who was heading northbound on Merriman Road.
After hitting the family, Sandoval left the scene.
The victims were taken to a local hospital, where Khalil, the 3-year-old boy, was pronounced dead.
His mother, Tia, and twin sister, Khloe, were critically injured. Khloe was released from the hospital, and Tia has been in a medically induced coma, according to the family.
An investigation led to Sandoval’s arrest on June 30.
During Sandoval’s sentencing hearing on Jan. 6, four people gave victim impact statements: Tai’s mother, aunts and best friend.
Regina Robinson said her daughter, Tia, still cannot talk or do anything six months following the crash. She still remains in the hospital.
She said Khalil’s sister continues to ask where her brother is and if her mom is coming home.
Regina said she has forgiven Sandoval but expressed that her family’s life has changed forever since the crash.
Michelle Walton, Tia’s aunt, said Tia has had strokes since the crash and continues to fight for her life.
Rhonda Robinson, Tia’s aunt, talked about Khalil, saying, “He was only 3 with a whole life in front of him that was snatched away because of a bad decision.”
Daisha McDonald, Tia’s best friend, said it’s been very life-changing.
“I’m used to talking to my homegirl every single day,” she said. “I haven’t been able to text her, call her, send her memes, talk about our children.”
McDonald said Tia is a phlebotomist and was supposed to walk across the stage for her medical certificate. “She wanted to take care of people -- she can’t even do that.”
“My friend won’t make it to your age healthy,” McDonald said.
“I’ve never seen a kid in a casket until now,” she continued. “I’ve never seen a little kid pass away; that messed me up.”
“I don’t hate you, I just hate the decisions you chose to make that night,” she said. “You have another chance; they don’t.”
Sandoval spoke before hearing her sentence, saying she sends her condolences to the family.
As part of a plea agreement, some of Sandoval’s charges were dismissed. She was sentenced to five to 15 years in prison and ordered to pay over $7,000 in restitution.