PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Philadelphia police have identified both the victim and the driver in a devastating Thanksgiving Day hit-and-run that claimed the life of 41-year-old Rosa Mar Espinosa Rodas. Authorities announced that the driver, 30-year-old Shamir Miller of West Philadelphia, has been taken into custody and charged with murder in connection with the fatal crash.
Victim Killed While Crossing Market Street
The fatal incident occurred just before 4 p.m. Thursday near the intersection of Market and 36th Streets. According to investigators, Espinosa Rodas was crossing Market Street—likely on her lunch break from a nearby workplace—when she was struck by a vehicle traveling at high speed.
Police say the impact was severe, and Espinosa Rodas died from her injuries at the scene. Family members and coworkers have been left devastated, mourning a woman described as hardworking, kind, and deeply rooted in her community.
Driver Identified as Shamir Miller
Authorities identified the driver responsible as 30-year-old Shamir Miller, who was behind the wheel of a black 2012 Honda Accord at the time of the crash. Investigators say Miller struck Espinosa Rodas and then continued driving eastbound on Market Street without stopping.
His attempt to flee did not end there.
Crash Into Second Vehicle and Foot Chase
After hitting Espinosa Rodas, Miller’s vehicle collided with a 2013 Buick Lacrosse near 33rd Street, injuring another woman—also 41 years old. The second victim was transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center with neck and back injuries and was listed in stable condition.
Following the second collision, Miller attempted to flee the scene on foot. However, Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small reported that officers apprehended him approximately one block away.
Witnesses told police that Miller had been speeding and driving recklessly, behavior consistent with the violent and chaotic path that led to multiple collisions.
Both Miller and the second injured driver were transported to Penn Presbyterian, where Miller was treated for head injuries.
“A Tragedy Made Even Worse by the Holiday”
Chief Inspector Small emphasized the heartbreak surrounding the crash, noting the added emotional heaviness of the incident occurring on Thanksgiving Day.
“It’s very, very tragic, the fact that this is a fatal hit-and-run,” Small said. “The fact that it happened on Thanksgiving Day just makes it that much more of a tragedy.”
Driver Charged With Murder and Multiple Offenses
Miller has been formally charged with:
- Murder
- Homicide by vehicle
- Aggravated assault
- Reckless driving
- Hit-and-run
- Related criminal offenses
Police say the investigation remains active as they review video surveillance, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the crash events.
Location Near Another Recent Fatal Hit-and-Run
The Thanksgiving crash occurred just blocks from another deadly hit-and-run that claimed the life of 48-year-old Meaza Brown of South Philadelphia on November 20. Brown was walking to work with coworkers when a silver Chrysler 300 ran a red light at 33rd and Market, striking her and causing fatal injuries.
Police have not indicated whether the two incidents are connected but noted the troubling spike in reckless driving and fatal pedestrian crashes in the area.
Community Mourning and Calls for Safety Reform
The back-to-back fatalities have sparked concerns from residents, local leaders, and pedestrian-safety advocates. Many are calling for increased traffic enforcement, improved crosswalk protections, and structural changes to reduce speeding along Market Street.
Meanwhile, loved ones of Rosa Mar Espinosa Rodas continue to grieve an unimaginable loss—one that occurred on a holiday meant to bring families together.
Leave a Reply