A devastating incident in Livonia, Michigan, has left a family in mourning and a community shaken after a tragic hit-and-run claimed the life of a young child. Tammy Sandoval, a 55-year-old woman, stands at the center of this heartbreaking event.
Accused of operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license, Tammy Sandoval allegedly struck a mother and her twin children while they were crossing the street, fatally injuring 3-year-old Khalil Robinson. The mother and the surviving twin, Khloe, were also injured in the collision.
The tragedy occurred on a Sunday evening, when families gathered to celebrate and enjoy a local festival capped off with a fireworks show. For the Robinson family, this night of joy turned into an unimaginable nightmare. As the investigation unfolds, the charges filed against Tammy Sandoval raise troubling questions about road safety, accountability, and justice.
A Tragic Night at the Festival
The Robinson family had just attended a local festival in Livonia, enjoying the summer festivities and fireworks that had brought together members of the community. Regina Robinson, the grandmother of Khalil and Khloe, described how excited the children had been to experience the carnival and fireworks. But the night ended in horror as the family was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street.
According to Livonia Police, Tammy Sandoval was on her way home from a fireworks display when she allegedly struck the family and fled the scene. The impact killed 3-year-old Khalil Robinson and seriously injured his twin sister Khloe and their mother, Tia Robinson. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and traumatic, with emergency services arriving swiftly but too late to save Khalil’s life.
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Investigators quickly identified Tammy Sandoval as a suspect, and she was arrested the following day. The case has sparked outrage in the community, particularly due to the fact that Sandoval did not possess a valid driver’s license at the time of the crash. In fact, her license had been suspended the previous year after she refused to take a roadside DUI test.
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Family members have spoken out in anguish and disbelief. Regina Robinson expressed her heartbreak and confusion over why anyone would leave the scene of such a horrific crash. “Why would anyone keep going without stopping, trying to see if they’re okay, and can they help? Can they save them instead of driving off acting like they didn’t hit anybody?” she asked during an interview with Fox 2.
Driving Without a License and Fleeing the Scene
The legal ramifications facing Tammy Sandoval are extensive and serious. She has been charged with multiple counts, including:
- One count of operating while license suspended, revoked or denied – causing death.
- Two counts of operating while license suspended, revoked or denied – causing serious injury.
- Two counts of failure to stop at the scene of an accident – causing serious impairment.
- One count of failing to stop at the scene of an accident while at fault – causing death.
Tammy Sandoval has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is currently being held on a $600,000 cash/surety bond. Her next court appearance is scheduled for July 10.
This case has drawn renewed attention to the dangers posed by individuals who operate vehicles without a valid license. Tammy Sandoval’s previous refusal to take a DUI test had already led to her license being suspended, suggesting a history of risky behavior behind the wheel. The fact that she was allegedly driving again—this time resulting in the death of a child—has only intensified public anger and grief.
Authorities have emphasized that fleeing the scene of an accident, particularly one involving serious injuries or fatalities, constitutes a grave offense. Michigan law requires drivers to stop immediately when involved in an accident and render aid if possible. The failure to do so in this case has compounded the pain experienced by the victims’ family.
Michael Robinson, the grandfather of the twins, spoke about the close bond between Khalil and Khloe. “He would always go and take stuff to his sister, so if I gave him a piece of candy, he would take one for his sister and take it in there to her,” he said. “He was very loving toward his sister but they had their ups and downs though.” His words paint a picture of a tender and loving child whose life was cut far too short.
Seeking Justice and Coping with Loss
As the legal process moves forward, the Robinson family is left to grieve and begin the long road of recovery. Losing a child is every parent’s worst nightmare, and in this case, it is compounded by the circumstances under which it occurred—a preventable tragedy caused by a driver who should not have been on the road.
Support for the family has poured in from the community and beyond. Candlelight vigils and social media tributes have honored the memory of Khalil, a bright and joyful boy remembered for his loving nature and special bond with his sister. The surviving members of the family continue to deal with the physical and emotional trauma of the incident.
Local officials and road safety advocates have used this incident to call for stricter enforcement of license suspensions and more rigorous monitoring of repeat offenders. They argue that there must be systemic changes to prevent individuals with suspended licenses from continuing to drive, especially when previous incidents suggest a pattern of reckless behavior.
Meanwhile, many in the community are calling for the harshest penalties to be applied if Sandoval is found guilty. They see this not just as an isolated incident, but as a broader failure of responsibility—both individual and institutional.
The court proceedings are expected to shed more light on the timeline of events and the precise circumstances of the hit-and-run. As of now, Tammy Sandoval remains in custody, awaiting her court appearance. The outcome of this case will be closely watched by many, not only for the justice it may bring to the grieving Robinson family but also for the potential implications it could have on traffic laws and enforcement in Michigan and beyond.
This heartbreaking case has reminded everyone of the profound consequences that can arise from a single moment of negligence or disregard for the law. A family has been shattered, a young life has been lost, and a community must come to terms with the reality that something so terrible could happen in the midst of what should have been a night of joy and celebration.
The hope remains that Khalil Robinson’s memory will inspire a deeper commitment to road safety, accountability, and compassion—for the sake of all families who walk the streets with their loved ones, trusting that the laws meant to protect them will be upheld.