LIVONIA, Mich. (WXYZ) — A woman accused of killing a 3-year-old boy and injuring his twin sister and mother in a hit-and-run crash appeared before a judge Thursday, facing multiple charges that could result in decades behind bars.
Tammy Sandoval, 55, of Mount Morris was charged with driving with a suspended license causing death and serious injuries and failure to stop at the scene of a crash while at fault causing death and serious injuries.
Watch the video report below:
Prosecutors say Sandoval fled the scene after striking three pedestrians following the Livonia Spree festival fireworks Sunday night.
"The defendant in this case, we allege, did not stop, she did not call 911, she did not render any aid, she simply drove off," prosecuting attorney Brian Craigo said.
Watch the arraignment of Tammy Sandoval in the video player below:
Authorities say Sandoval drove more than 70 miles north to her home in Genesee County after the incident.
Three-year-old Khalil Robinson was killed as he and his family crossed Merriman Road to get to their car after the fireworks. His twin sister Khloe and mother Tia Robinson suffered severe injuries in the crash.
Previous coverage: Residents call for safety changes after fatal hit-and-run at Livonia festival
Defense attorney Kevin McLean argued for a $100,000 bond, claiming Sandoval "was unaware of what had actually happened at the incident."
"I would just ask the court to consider a reasonably minimal bond based on all the allegations here with a GPS tether condition and home confinement," McLean said.
Craigo pushed for a much higher bond to ensure Sandoval appears in court.
"I would ask the honorable court to consider a bond in the amount of $500,000, cash or surety, with no 10%," Craigo said. "She's demonstrated a flight risk with leaving the scene based upon her alleged conduct in this case, and the protection of society as a whole to keep her off the roadway."
Previous report: Family speaks after 3-year-old killed in Livonia hit-and-run, mom and sister injured
Secretary of State driving records show Sandoval's license has been suspended since August of last year, when Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police arrested her for drunken driving and refusing a breath or blood test.
"In addition to the impaired driving conviction, she has a crash that was reported with two individuals in Mount Morris back in November 14th of 2024," Craigo said, adding that records also show another crash in December of that year.
Michael Robinson, Tia's father and grandfather to the twins, expressed his frustration with the situation.
"She should've never been under the wheel, she should've actually been behind bars. If she has a reckless driving record of such, they should've locked her up," Robinson said.
Video: Watch our full interview with Michael Robinson where he provides an update on Tia and Khloe Robinson's conditions
Tia Robinson remains in a medically-induced coma, while Khloe was recently discharged from the hospital.
"We're just taking it one step at a time, day by day. She has a long way to go and I look at it and look at her as though she feels lost because she can't see her mama, she can't see her brother," Robinson said.
Sandoval remains in custody on a $600,000 cash or surety bond. She's due back in court later this month.
If you would like to help the Robinson family, the Livonia First Responder Foundation set up a donation page.
—————
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
