Providence woman charged in hit-and-run that killed 85-year-old

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A Providence woman has been charged in a hit-and-run crash that killed an 85-year-old woman last year.

28-year-old Caitlin Kelly was arrested in October 2023 after hitting and killing an elderly Providence resident with her car.

Kelly was charged in court on Feb. 26 with one count of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, according to Attorney General Peter Neronha.

Officials said they determined via surveillance footage and text message receipts that Kelly was aware she struck the woman and knowingly left the scene.

Police responded to reports of a hit-and-run at 6:15 a.m. on Oct. 4, 2023, in the area of North Main Street and Pleasant Street, per authorities.

Investigators said the victim was crossing North Main Street when a car struck her and fled the scene.

The victim was alert after the crash but later succumbed to her injuries, per officials.

Authorities said they identified Kelly’s vehicle via surveillance footage and observed a car with significant damage matching the description at her address.

Kelly admitted she was driving on North Main Street during the time of the accident but said she did not remember hitting anyone, according to investigators.

Officials said they then obtained a warrant to search Kelly’s cell phone, where they found text messages stating she struck someone with her vehicle.

She was charged and given bail following the investigation.

Kelly is scheduled for a pre-arraignment conference on April 1 in Providence County Superior Court, per authorities.