Prosecutor seeks more reports in death of preteen

Girl was killed after leaving school bus

A 12-year-old was hit by a vehicle while exiting a school bus Monday in Pike County, Ark., and later died in the hospital, and the prosecutor in the case has requested additional reports from Arkansas State Police.

“The investigation is still ongoing, and I’ve asked for additional reports from the state police,” said 9th Judicial District Prosecutor Bryan Chesshir.

Dwight L. Moody, 88, of Delight in Pike County was

driving a Ford Explorer that struck a student who had exited a Kirby School District bus.

The accident was reported at 3:25 p.m. Monday at 1932 U.S. Highway 70 near Salem.

The child was identified as Jazmin Hernandez, 12, of Glenwood. She died in Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock. She had been taken to the hospital by helicopter.

Moody was westbound when he struck Hernandez. Dorothy Moody, 84, also of Delight was a passenger in the truck.

The school bus was eastbound and stopped to unload passengers.

The state police report said all emergency lights and signals were activated on the bus. The name of the school bus driver has not been released.

An investigative report prepared by ASP Trooper Ben Harrison was submitted to Chesshir, who is reviewing the report.

Chesshir said he received the report, but wants additional investigation into the accident.

“I will visit the victim’s family next week, and I’m asking the state police to do further investigation,” Chesshir said Wednesday afternoon.

“It’s a tragic thing. She had just got off the bus and was crossing the road when she was hit. The report shows the flashers on the school bus were operating,” Chesshir said.