A makeshift memorial for Tina Anderson, who was killed in a motor vehicle crash, is seen on Walnut Avenue in Trenton. Sept. 24, 2015. (JACKIE SCHEAR— TRENTONIAN)
Sharelle and Tina Anderson may have been returning home from Sharelle's birthday celebration when the SUV they occupied flipped several times as it crossed the Southard Street bridge, ejecting Tina from the vehicle.
"There's a video posted on Facebook, and based on what I saw, it looked like they were on their way back home," one of the sisters' relatives who asked to remain anonymous said.
Tina Anderson (contributed photo)
Tina, 34, succumbed to her injuries around 1:20 a.m. Thursday at Capital Health Regional Medical Center. Police say the accident occurred just before midnight when Sharelle, who turned 37 on Wednesday, lost control of a Mercury Mountaineer. Police say she was driving northbound on Southard Street when she tried to pass a vehicle near the crest of the Southard Street bridge. Police say she lost control of the SUV, which then hit the curb and rolled several times. Tina was ejected from the vehicle; no other passengers besides her were in the car.
"At this point in the investigation, speed and impairment appear to be contributing factors to the accident," Lt. Stephen Varn said.
Sharelle suffered contusions and lacerations to her hand and received treatment at the hospital. She is charged with death by auto, driving while intoxicated and other motor vehicle offenses. Her bail was set at $500,000.
Sharelle and Tina are sisters. One of their relatives said the family is in a state of shock and overwhelmed with emotion as they mourn the death of Tina, while also showing support for Sharelle who has been charged in connection with her sister's death.
Sharelle Anderson
"We're affected in every which way by this," a relative said. "Sharelle lost her sister and now she's in jail. I don't know which is worst for her. We need to make sure we give Sharelle a lot of love and support because she's not going to get it in jail."
According to a family member, Tina is survived by several children who are at a loss for words about their mother's death.
"All they had to depend on was their mom," a relative said.
According to the New Jersey State Police Uniform Crime Reporting Unit, “death by auto” is considered a manslaughter and is therefore not reported as a homicide statistic. The Trentonian, however, includes deaths by auto, as well as justified fatal police-involved shootings, in its yearly homicide count.
So far this year, there have been 16 killings within the city, two of which have been vehicular homicides. In January, 44-year-old John Covington was struck by a vehicle as he walked across the street pushing a shopping cart; Robert McFadden was later charged with death by auto in connection with Covington's death.
Tina Anderson was one of several adults who were arrested and charged earlier this year in connection with a fight at Greg Grant Park that injured two teenaged sisters.
Thursday's fatal crash is being investigated by Trenton Detective Craig Kirk and Detective Don Santora from the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office. Anyone with information about the accident is asked to call 609-989-4155.