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A young man whose quick actions helped bring justice in a deadly hit-and-run case came face to face with the victim’s family this week, marking an emotional moment at a Michigan courtroom.
The meeting took place Tuesday during the sentencing of Tammy Sandoval, the driver responsible for a June 29, 2025 crash in Livonia that killed 3-year-old Khalil Robinson and seriously injured his mother, Tia Robinson, and his twin sister, Khloe. Sandoval was sentenced to up to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges stemming from the fatal incident.
Nineteen-year-old Hunter, who witnessed the aftermath of the crash while driving along Merriman Road, played a critical role in the case. He initially believed debris in the roadway was trash, only to realize it was evidence of a pedestrian being struck. Acting on instinct, Hunter followed the fleeing vehicle and called 911, providing police with the license plate number that ultimately led to Sandoval’s arrest the following day.
Authorities later confirmed that Sandoval, a Mount Morris resident, was driving with a suspended or revoked license at the time of the crash. She pleaded guilty to causing death and serious injury while operating without a valid license. The court sentenced her to 5 to 15 years in prison for the fatal charge, along with a concurrent 3 to 5-year sentence for the injury count.
After the sentencing, Khalil’s family met Hunter and expressed gratitude for his actions, calling him a hero and a “guardian angel” for ensuring accountability. Hunter, however, downplayed the praise, saying he simply did what he felt was right.
“She would have gotten away with it,” Hunter said, reflecting on the moment. “Someone ran them over and didn’t stop. I just did the right thing.”
The case has resonated deeply within the Livonia community, highlighting both the devastating consequences of hit-and-run crashes and the powerful impact of bystanders who choose to act.