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WEST VALLEY CITY — A driver is behind bars, accused of shooting his brother and causing a crash that took a pregnant woman's life earlier this week.
Rossana Moreno, also known as Rossy Thrall, was killed Tuesday evening after a driver ran a red light.
Her husband, Michael Thrall, said she was early in her pregnancy, and they didn't get the chance to let their family know they were expecting their fourth child. The couple's 13th wedding anniversary was Dec. 21.
"We would've been celebrating 13 years," Thrall said. "So, if anything, that is the hardest part. Family was always a special thing to her."
On Tuesday, the family had been out watching Thrall play in his band. Moreno left early to put their three kids to bed. They were at 8000 West and state Route 201 in Magna when a driver in a white SUV ran a red light, hitting Moreno's car.
According to West Valley City police, the driver, 20-year-old Sasa Scott Hamilton, was fleeing a shooting in West Valley City where he allegedly shot his brother in the legs.
"You killed an important person to a family and friends. And you killed a mother that loved her children and you are a coward for fleeing the scene and not even trying," Thrall said.
Police reported that Hamilton fled the crash scene on foot and was apprehended a few hours later. Moreno died at the hospital. Her three children, ages 11, 9, and 3, suffered minor injuries.
"My last words to her were, 'I love you, and I will see you at home,'" Thrall said.
On Friday night, instead of Christmas plans, the family has only their memories of Moreno.
"I'm devastated," said family friend Heather McNabb. "I feel so bad for Michael and the children. They have to go through Christmas without mom."
Friends and family said Moreno was a beloved community theatre member. Friends like McNabb dropped off food baskets on the family's front porch as signs of love and support.
"She was really wonderful," McNabb said.
"Everyone knew her just from her laughter and just her glow, the person that she was," Thrall added. "She was your ride or die."
Hamilton was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of shooting someone causing serious injury, two counts of shooting in the direction of a person, and obstruction of justice.
As of Friday, the investigation into the crash is ongoing, and charges have not yet been filed.
