Schoolteacher Charged in Hit-Run Deaths of 2

TAMPA, Fla. —  Nearly a month after stepping forward and apologizing, a teacher at an elementary school was charged Wednesday in a hit-and-run collision that left two young brothers dead and their two siblings injured.

Jennifer Porter, 28, was charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident, an offense that carries up to 15 years in prison. The dance teacher was released on $7,500 bail, and will be arraigned later.

The crash March 31 killed Bryant Wilkins, 13, and Durantae Caldwell, 3. An 8-year-old sister and 2-year-old brother were injured.

At a news conference earlier this month, Porter admitted through her lawyer that she was involved in the collision. He said she was too afraid to stop. Porter also apologized to the victims’ mother.

Some black leaders said they believed Porter was not arrested sooner because she was white and the children black.

“She’s very sad,” said her lawyer, Barry Cohen. “She’s cooperating far more than any other defendant I’ve ever known.”

Porter, who has been suspended from her job, had no comment.

Sheriff’s deputies said the children were crossing the street about 7 p.m. on their way home from a community center. They were not in a crosswalk.

Investigators initially said as many as two other vehicles were involved in the hit-and-run, but later said Porter’s car might have been the only one.

Cohen said Porter contacted his office the day after the children were run down, and he reported her to authorities the next day.

Prosecutors are expected to seek prison time for Porter.