A Washington, D.C., woman has been charged with involuntary manslaughter after prosecutors say she struck and killed a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk, briefly acknowledged the collision to a witness, and then drove away, leaving behind her vehicle’s front license plate.
Shaneia Gregnesia Lincoln, 34, is accused in the death of Dawn Ciccone, 61, who was fatally injured while crossing a street in Northwest Washington earlier this year.
The Metropolitan Police Department announced the charge, and additional details emerged during Lincoln’s preliminary court hearing on Monday.
Victim Had Been Walking With Her Husband
According to a criminal complaint, the incident occurred at approximately 11 a.m. on April 18 near the intersection of 23rd Street and L Street Northwest in Washington, D.C.
Earlier that morning, Dawn Ciccone had been enjoying a long walk with her husband.
During Monday’s court hearing, her husband said the couple spent the morning talking about their love for one another and their plans for the future before eventually going their separate ways for the rest of the day.
Prosecutors Say Driver Crossed Into Turn Lane
Investigators allege that Lincoln was driving a white Jeep Wrangler northbound on 23rd Street while using her cellphone.
According to the criminal complaint, another vehicle had stopped in the designated left-turn-only lane to allow Ciccone to safely cross L Street using the marked crosswalk.
Authorities allege Lincoln suddenly crossed in front of the stopped vehicle and entered the intersection without yielding to the pedestrian.
The Jeep struck Ciccone while she was in the crosswalk.
During Monday’s hearing, Judge Rainey Brandt described the impact as being so forceful that the Jeep rolled over the victim “like going over a speed bump.”
License Plate Fell Off During Collision
According to investigators, the collision caused the Jeep’s front license plate to detach from the vehicle and remain at the scene.
Despite the impact, prosecutors say Lincoln continued driving away.
However, she stopped at the next intersection because the traffic signal was red.
Witness Allegedly Confronted Driver
A witness approached the Jeep while it was stopped at the red light and spoke through the driver’s open window.
According to court documents, the witness told Lincoln she needed to stop because she had just hit something.
Investigators say Lincoln responded:
“I know.”
Authorities allege she briefly pulled her vehicle toward the side of the road before driving away instead of remaining at the scene or assisting the victim.
Victim Died From Her Injuries
Emergency responders transported Ciccone to a nearby hospital after the collision.
According to the criminal complaint, she suffered extensive blunt force trauma to her body.
Despite medical treatment, she later died from her injuries.
Investigation Lasted Several Weeks
Following the fatal crash, investigators spent weeks gathering surveillance footage, witness statements, and other evidence before identifying Lincoln as the suspect.
Authorities also allege that Lincoln and several members of her family attempted to obstruct the investigation, although additional details regarding those allegations have not been publicly disclosed.
Court Proceedings Continue
Lincoln appeared in court for a preliminary hearing on Monday.
She was scheduled to return to court for a review hearing on Tuesday, and another court appearance has been set for October as the case moves forward.
The charge of involuntary manslaughter is an allegation, and Lincoln is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. The investigation into the fatal collision remains ongoing.
