A woman has been charged in connection with a hit-and-run in an English town that killed two children in February, according to authorities.
On Saturday, Feb. 1, around 6:25 p.m., siblings Roman Casselden, 16, and Darcie Casselden, 9, from Pitsea, were riding an e-scooter when they were struck by a car and died, Essex Police said in a statement.
“The car failed to stop at the scene, and a man and a woman — both in their 20s — were arrested a short time later on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop,” police said.
The following day, the woman was released on bail. The man, who was not identified, was also released but remained under investigation, police added.
Seven months later, on Thursday, Aug. 28, the woman — identified as 21-year-old Deimante Ziobryte — appeared in Basildon Magistrates’ Court after being charged with failing to stop at the scene of a collision, according to a police update on Tuesday, Sept. 2. She is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 8, 2026.
“She remains on bail in connection with other driving offenses, and our investigation into those is ongoing,” police said. The man arrested at the time will face no further action.
After the deaths of the brother and sister, tributes poured in. Their mother wrote that Roman “had a heart of gold, dedicating his time to working with children in the community. His warmth and generosity touched so many lives, bringing smiles, hope, and encouragement to those who needed it most. His legacy is one of selflessness, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the goodness of people.”
She described Darcie as “a soul filled with creativity and beauty, with a passion for art that reflected the depth of her spirit. She painted the world with color and emotion, leaving behind a piece of herself in every stroke.”
A GoFundMe was created to help the family with funeral costs and other needs.
