Woman sentenced for hitting, killing pedestrian, 72, in Lynnwood

Tachelle Thomas has been sentenced to 6½ years in prison for the vehicular homicide of 72-year-old Fozieh Shirdelhefzabad, who was struck while crossing Highway 99 on December 2, 2020. Witnesses reported that Shirdelhefzabad had the signal to cross when Thomas, driving a Jeep Cherokee, made a left turn and hit her, subsequently fleeing the scene. After the collision, Thomas confided in her sister about the accident and attempted to evade police. Medical evaluations revealed that Shirdelhefzabad suffered a fractured skull and severe brain injury, leading to her death two weeks later. Prosecutors charged Thomas with vehicular homicide, and she pleaded guilty, with the hit-and-run charge being dropped.

Blood tests indicated that Thomas was under the influence of cannabis, with THC levels significantly above the legal limit. The judge highlighted the importance of accountability in such cases, reinforcing the serious consequences of impaired driving. This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with driving under the influence and the tragic loss of life that can result.