New Castle– Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian collision that occurred Sunday morning in New Castle.

On Sunday March 13, 2022, at approximately 9:34 a.m., Brittalia Semaan, 30, of New Castle, was operating a stolen 2018 Chevrolet Trax southbound on Route 9 in the area of Boothurst Boulevard. At this time, a pedestrian later identified as Joseph Stanavich, 47, of New Castle was walking southbound on the right shoulder of Route 9, just south of Boothhurst Boulevard. The Trax which was traveling at a high-rate of speed, for unknown reasons left the right lane of travel and struck the pedestrian within the right shoulder. After the collision, Semaan fled southbound on Route 9 in the stolen Chevrolet Trax. Semaan was subsequently apprehended in the area of Route 9 and Hamburg Road after a separate collision.

Stanavich was transported to a nearby hospital by EMS, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. Identification of the victim is pending notification to next of kin.

Semaan was not injured in the crash and was transported to Troop 2 where she was charged with Vehicular Homicide 2^nd Degree (Felony), Leaving the Scene of a Collision Resulting in Death (Felony), Failing to Report a Collision Resulting in Death, and Failing to Maintain Lane of Travel.

Semaan was arraigned in the Justice of the Peace Court #11 and committed to the Delores J. Baylor Correctional Institution on $47,000 cash bond.

This case remains an active investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact Cpl/3 John Breen by calling 302-365-8486 or emailing john.breen@delaware.gov. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://delawarecrimestoppersweb.com/

*Please see attached updates below for additional information on related incidents and charges.*

*UPDATE* Troopers Investigating Two Carjacking’s, Fatal Pedestrian Crash and Multiple Crashes With Suspect in Custody

*UPDATE #2* Investigation Continues into Carjacking’s and Fatal Pedestrian Crash

*UPDATE #3* Suspect Charged with Kidnapping, Carjacking’s, Fatal Pedestrian Crash and Crashes

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell

Released: 031422 1307

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