A funeral service for Arsema Barekew was held Sunday at Tukwila’s Riverton Crest Cemetery.
The parents of the 12-year-old who was hit and killed by a runaway SUV outside the Central District’s Washington Middle School in early March are seeking answers.
The Seattle Times spoke with the Yesler Terrace couple Berihun Mekonnen and Tigist Yitna — and their lawyer.
“The way (Seattle police) approached them, explained things, was like, ‘Move on. This is an accident. Accidents happen,’” attorney Daniel Ajema told the Times. “But for me, there’s criminal negligence. There’s recklessness.”
No lawsuit has been filed.
Police say the driver of the SUV was not arrested and did not show signs of impairment. She was evaluated for driving under the influence at the scene.
CHS reported here on the aftermath of the tragedy including officials examining the confluence of school pickup and dropoff areas, city streets, and the campus parking lot entrance where the deadly incident unfolded.
The 12-year-old sixth grader was killed just after 12:30 PM along 20th Place S, S Weller, and the school’s pick-up/drop-off area and parking lot. Police radio updates and witnesses described a terrible incident as a SUV parked outside the school and left unattended began rolling downhill where the child was struck near S Weller.
In a statement, the district said the student was heading to recess at the time of the crash but have not explained why Barekew was near the street at that time.
The community around Washington has raised thousands of dollars to help support the family.
“I am heartbroken to learn about the tragic death of little Arsema outside Washington Middle School last week. As a new dad, I can only begin to imagine the immense pain, grief, and betrayal her parents must be feeling,” King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay wrote about the tragedy. “My heart is with them, and I stand with their calls for accountability, answers, justice, and real action to keep students safe.”
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