A peaceful evening walk on Monday turned tragic for Derek and Shaunda Bizzell as they were intentionally hit by a car in their Chesterfield, Virginia neighborhood. The couple had just stepped onto the street when they noticed a car approaching them, veering directly towards them. Derek screamed out Shaunda’s name, but it was too late. The car crashed into them, sending Shaunda flying through the air, and Derek trapped underneath a nearby vehicle.
According to the Chesterfield County Police, officers were already in the area responding to a suspicious call. The caller had made threats to shoot a school, bomb a building, and assault police officers. When the officers arrived at the scene, they discovered a car crash involving a 2012 Hyundai and the two pedestrians. Shaunda was rushed to the hospital but sadly succumbed to her injuries. Derek sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities determined that the driver, 22-year-old Daniel N. Anderson, was the same person who made the threatening call. He was detained at the scene and now faces charges of second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and making threats of death or bodily injury. The police believe that Anderson intentionally targeted the pedestrians with his vehicle.
Anderson remains in custody at the Chesterfield County Jail without bond. It is unclear whether he has obtained legal representation.
The community is shaken by this senseless act of violence and the loss of Shaunda. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Chesterfield County Police Department or Crime Solvers.