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Rosalinda Vaca Charged After Waukegan Hit-and-Run That Killed Pregnant Woman

Police say she surrendered after realizing she was involved.

Overview

  • Michelle Heidbrick, 36, was struck while crossing Grand Avenue near Jackson Street on Sunday and was pronounced dead at Vista Medical Center East.
  • The Lake County coroner found she died of blunt force trauma and confirmed she was about 22 weeks pregnant; the fetus did not survive.
  • The Waukegan Police Major Crash Unit is leading the case and has seized a black 2016 Land Rover SUV linked to the crash for analysis.
  • Vaca, 49, is charged with felony leaving the scene of a fatal accident and is set for a first court appearance on Wednesday at the Lake County Jail.
  • According to police, Vaca said she thought she hit an object in the roadway; relatives have urged witnesses to come forward, noting Heidbrick leaves behind an 18-year-old son.