Police say a Brentwood woman has been arrested in the
fatal hit-and-run that took the life of a Commack mom of five children.
Police say Henriquez has been charged with manslaughter in the second degree, leaving the scene of an incident involving a fatality and tampering with physical evidence. She pleaded not guilty.
The victim's fiancée, Steven Bartolomey, was in court when the charges were given out.
"At least I have a face of the monster that did this to my children," Bartolomey said.
Cherokee Fletcher, 28, was struck by a sedan traveling eastbound on Motor Parkway that collided with another vehicle at the intersection of Moreland Road and left the roadway, police say. The car struck her on the sidewalk.
The prosecution says Henriquez did not slow down or stop when she hit Fletcher. They claim she went home immediately, wiped down the car that had a smashed windshield and side damage, and had a tow company come pick it up the next day.
Henriquez's attorney, Robert P. Kelly, called the incident a "tragic accident."
"She offers her condolences to her fiancée Steve, her mom Shannon and the entire family," Kelly says.
Family members tell News 12 that Fletcher was walking over to the 7-Eleven to get money so her oldest child could go on a field trip.
Fletcher's children range in age from 7 years to 11 months old.
Henriquez walked out of court Thursday after her mother and stepfather posted bail that was set at $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond.
She is due back on June 28. In convicted, Henriquez could face up to 15 years behind bars.
Fletcher's family tells News 12 that they hope justice will be served in the case.
"I can't wait to see how they feel when their daughter is taken away from them and put in jail," says Shannon Mistrtta, the victim's mother. "At least they will get to visit her. I have to visit a grave."