Kianna Underwood Hit-and-Run Arrest Made after Brooklyn police arrested a 72-year-old man regarding her fatal crash.
Kianna Underwood Hit-and-Run Arrest Made after Brooklyn police arrested a 72-year-old man Tuesday regarding her fatal crash.
Arrest Comes Months After Fatal Crash
Police arrested Michael Griffiths, 72, and charged him after the January collision that killed Underwood in Brooklyn.
Investigators say Griffiths drove a black Ford Explorer that struck Underwood near Pitkin Avenue and Mother Gaston Boulevard.
Underwood, 33, was crossing in a marked crosswalk when the SUV allegedly hit her during the morning crash.
Police said a second vehicle struck Underwood afterward, while both drivers reportedly left the scene without staying there.
Emergency medical workers pronounced Underwood dead at the scene after officers found her severely injured following that collision.
Investigation Continues After Arrest
More than eight months passed before authorities announced Griffiths’ arrest in connection with Underwood’s death and investigation.
Investigators continued examining surveillance footage and vehicle evidence while searching for drivers involved after January’s fatal crash.
Police now say Griffiths faces charges involving leaving accident scenes that resulted in death and injury charges.
Charges Remain Allegations
The charges against Griffiths remain allegations, and prosecutors must prove the accusations in court before any conviction occurs.
Griffiths has previously described a different account of what happened after his vehicle struck something that morning.
He said he stopped briefly, noticed another vehicle strike the person, and tried helping bystanders flag that driver.
Police, however, have charged Griffiths based on their investigation into the January collision and his actions afterward.
What Police Say Happened
Underwood became known as a child performer through Nickelodeon’s All That and Little Bill during her early career.
She appeared in seven All That episodes during 2005 and also voiced Fuchsia Glover on Little Bill.
Her acting career also included Little Inez during the first national tour of Hairspray before her television work.
Authorities have not announced an arrest involving the second driver who allegedly struck Underwood after the initial collision.
That vehicle reportedly struck Underwood while she remained in the roadway following the first impact during January.
Kianna Underwood Case Moves Forward
Police continue examining the circumstances surrounding both collisions as the criminal case against Griffiths moves forward today.
The arrest provides a new development, but several questions remain about the second vehicle and events afterward.
Further court proceedings should clarify the allegations against Griffiths and determine how investigators present their evidence publicly.
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