A Bronx woman accused of fatally striking a mother and her two young daughters with her vehicle reportedly made a chilling statement to emergency personnel moments after the crash, saying she was overtaken by a dark force.
According to first responders, the driver—identified as Latoya Dove—told EMTs on the scene, “The devil was in me,” as she was being treated and questioned following the deadly incident. The crash occurred when Dove’s vehicle veered off the road and onto the sidewalk in the Mount Hope neighborhood, killing a 32-year-old woman and her daughters, ages three and one. The family had been walking home from a nearby park.
Sources familiar with the investigation said the suspect’s remarks are being included in the ongoing case file and may play a role in evaluating her mental state at the time of the collision. Authorities confirmed Dove was taken into custody and has undergone psychiatric evaluation.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and horrifying, with bystanders attempting to assist the victims before emergency crews arrived. The suspect reportedly remained at the site and was visibly distraught.
Investigators later determined that Dove was operating a vehicle despite a suspended driver’s license and had a documented history of traffic violations. She is facing multiple charges, including vehicular manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide.
In addition to her legal troubles, Dove has attracted attention due to a previous multimillion-dollar lawsuit settlement with the city stemming from an unrelated case involving the NYPD. Her financial gain and high-profile social media presence have drawn renewed scrutiny in light of the tragedy.
Funeral arrangements are underway for the victims, as friends and family mourn the loss of what loved ones described as a devoted mother and her two bright, joyful daughters. Community leaders have called for a review of enforcement practices surrounding traffic violations and license suspensions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Dove remains in custody as the investigation continues. Authorities have not ruled out additional charges as they await the results of toxicology and mental health assessments.