Man charged with manslaughter in hit-and-run death of Hartford toddler

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — A Hartford man has been charged in the death of toddler who was killed in a hit-and-run on New Britain Avenue last month, according to Hartford police.

Melvin Daniels, 30, was charged with second-degree manslaughter, evading responsibility involving death, and illegally tinted windshield. He turned himself in on Monday on a felony arrest warrant.

The charges stem from a hit-and-run around 11 p.m. on June 3, in the area of 36 New Britain Ave.

Hartford police said they received several 911 calls reporting a toddler had been struck on New Britain Avenue. When officers arrived on the scene, they found 19-month-old Camila Elizabeth Ramirez-Carcamo unresponsive in the road. She was taken to Connecticut Children’s, where police said she was pronounced dead.

The video below aired on July 1, 2024.

Police said the toddler had wandered out of the open door of the 24-hour Top Kat Laundromat while her parents were inside.

The responsible vehicle was later determined to be a 2013 black BMW 328xi with a Connecticut registration, which was located behind a McDonald’s in New Haven the following morning.

Police say that Daniels, who worked as a mental health advisor, did not stop for the child, and after the incident, he returned to his residence, checked for possible damage on his vehicle and entered the apartment building, according to the arrest warrant.

Daniels’ public defender requested that his $300,000 be reduced to $100,000, but the judge denied it. He faces three charges, including second-degree manslaughter and illegally tinted windows. Daniels is expected back in court on July 15.

Police said the investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hartford Police Department Tip Line at 860-722-TIPS (8477).

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