Elderly Woodstock Woman Charged in Fatal Hit and Run

An 83-year-old Woostock woman turned herself into McHenry County Sheriff police on Thursday afternoon after she said she unknowingly hit and killed 6-year-old Brayan Silva near Union on Sept. 8.

Varamae C. Phillip was charged with failure to report a fatal traffic accident and leaving the scene of a crime, the McHenry County Sheriff's Office said. Phillip posted 10 percent of a $50,000 bond and was released.

Phillip told sheriff investigators she thought a branch had fallen on her car last Saturday night as she drove northbound on Franklinville Road through the dark and rain, according to the Daily Herald. Phillip had other elderly passengers in her car at the time.

Silva, of Leland, was crossing the rural road with his family and was hit by Phillips' silver 2001 Malibu near 4601 Franklinville Road. Witnesses at the scene said the car never stopped and continued driving.

Silva was transported to Centegra Hospital in Woodstock, where he was pronounced dead, McHenry County Sheriff police said.

Phillip, who has been cooperative with investigators, is "very distraught" about the accident, the Daily Herald reported.

McHenry County Sheriff Keith Nygren issued a press release stating that investigators located Phillips through a tip given by a local autobody shop. Police do not believe alcohol or drugs played a factor in the accident, which is still under investigation by sheriff's office and McHenry County Coroner's office. 

Funeral Mass for Silva are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Plano. Visitation is scheduled from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14, at  Turner-Eighner Funeral Home, 13160 Route 34 West, Samonauk.

Brayan leaves behind a brother, his parents and many relatives. More information can be found in his obituary notice.