From Newport News Police

Shameeka Nicole Martin, suspect

Charges have been filed against the driver of a car involved in a single-vehicle crash on I-64 that killed two children and injured two others.

Investigators say Shameeka Martin was driving a 2005 Nissan Altima on Interstate 64 around 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Martin was speeding on the off-ramp near Jefferson Avenue, ran off the road, and flipped the car, according to Sergeant D.S. Carr.

Thursday, July 5th, Martin appeared in traffic court for her first of two arraignments. The second is on Friday, July 6th, in juvenile court, where Martin will face child neglect charges.

Martin was charged Tuesday, July 3rd with two counts of class four felony child neglect and two counts of class six felony child neglect. She was also charged with driving on a revoked license, improper registration, driving with no seatbelt, fout counts of no child restraints and wreckless driving.

The crash threw four children from the car. Two of them, Martin's two-month-old Daraje Brown and eight-year-old nephew Tazia Gibbs, died at the scene. Martin, her 13-year-old brother, Danta Gee, and her 20-month-old daughter, Finya Brown, were injured and taken to the hospital.

Kareda Green is a family friend and neighbor.

"Only thing I can say is she probably was in a hurry. She usually does put them in a care set her youngest baby in a seat belt; that I see. But, maybe she was in a hurry."

A relative asked that they be allowed to grieve in peace. They've lost two family members, and another could be charged with charging causing their deaths.

Police say no one in the car was wearing a seatbelt or sitting in a child safety seat.

The crash shut down the exit to Jefferson Avenue for more than three hours.

Martin lives on 21st Street in Newport News.

A memorial fund is being set up for the two children killed in the crash. Donations may be made at any Wachovia bank or the Newport News Shipbuilding Employees Credit Union.