By: Richard L. Smith
An Essex County judge ordered a hit-and-run suspect to remain incarcerated following a detention hearing in Newark today.
During the court hearing presided over by the Honorable Superior Court Judge Harold W. Fullilove, Jr., JSC, Newark resident Ms. Mia’Jah Burton, 33, was denied bail following her arrest for the incident.
The violent incident has left local high school cheerleader Ms. Chiara Jones, 18, in critical condition and battling for her life at University Hospital in Newark.
RLS Media was at the scene on the evening of February 4, 2024, Chiara Jones, a dedicated member of the Arts High School cheerleading team, the "AHS Jags," was struck by a vehicle believed to be driven by Burton.
The incident occurred shortly after Jones and her team returned from the Impact Cheer Challenge in Toms River, NJ, where their outstanding performance secured them a spot in a national championship in Florida.
The collision took place as Jones attempted to cross the street at 550 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, heading towards an Uber, following the team's return.
She had just exited a school bus around 10 p.m. when a dark-colored sedan, later identified as a Kia Forte driven by Burton, hit her at high speed and fled the scene.
Eyewitnesses, including several parents there to pick up their children, provided immediate comfort to Jones until emergency services arrived.
She was promptly taken to University Hospital, where she has been fighting for her life with a severe head injury.
Following an intensive investigation by the Prosecutor’s Crime Scene Investigations Bureau, Burton was apprehended on March 1, 2024.
She faces multiple charges, including Third Degree Leaving the Scene of a Crash Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, Endangering an Injured Victim, Assault by Auto, Hindering, and Filing a False Report to Law Enforcement.
The denial of Burton's release reflects concerns over her potential flight risk, particularly given her evasion of authorities until her capture in March.
The cheerleading community and the Arts High School family continue to rally support for Jones as she remains in critical condition, highlighting the impact of the incident on the Newark community and beyond.
As the case progresses, it remains under active investigation, with the legal system seeking justice for Jones whose life was abruptly altered by the events of that February evening.