Polk County, FL – A 24-year-old Lakeland woman has been arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of 27-year-old Danielle Stilwell, authorities confirmed Friday.
The incident took place in the early hours of August 18 on W Highland Street, and a lengthy investigation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office ultimately led to the arrest of Aliya Cruz.
Fatal Crash Discovery and Initial Evidence
Around 4:00 a.m., a 911 caller reported seeing a woman’s body in the middle of the road. Responding deputies discovered Stilwell deceased at the scene, alongside broken car parts, indicating a likely hit-and-run. However, no vehicle was present.
Investigators examined the debris and, with assistance from local auto dealerships, determined that the parts belonged to a 2019-2022 Kia Forte. Surveillance footage from a nearby Sunoco gas station revealed a black sedan traveling away from the scene shortly after the time of the crash.
Cruz Identified Through Vehicle Match
Deputies canvassed the area and located a black Kia Forte with matching damage parked at a home on W Highland Street—near the crash site.
As per ClickOrlando, the car was registered to Aliya Cruz, who was soon identified as the driver and sole owner.
During an interview, Cruz claimed she saw a woman lying in the road “with her hands over her face” and tried to swerve to avoid her but didn’t stop because she “didn’t want to be late” for work. However, investigators say Cruz later told her supervisors she had “possibly killed someone” and even showed them photos of the damage to her car.
Conflicting Statements Undermine Her Claim
According to detectives, Cruz made several inconsistent statements, including:
- “I don’t really want to say anything.”
- “Well uhm, I know I didn’t hit them.”
- “I don’t think I hit the person.”
- “I know I swerved.”
On August 22, during a follow-up interview, Cruz admitted her concerns to her boss and again expressed uncertainty about whether she struck the person or not. He advised her to notify police, but Cruz failed to do so until contacted by investigators.
Charges and Ongoing Case
Cruz was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death, a felony under Florida law. Authorities noted that despite her awareness of a possible fatal incident, she chose not to call 911 or render aid.
Impact on Community and Victim’s Family
The death of Danielle Stilwell has sent shockwaves through the Lakeland community, where residents are mourning the sudden and tragic loss. Law enforcement officials emphasize the importance of accountability in such cases, especially when a life has been lost. The sheriff’s office reiterated that leaving the scene of a crash—especially a fatal one—is never acceptable, and offenders will be pursued with full legal consequences.
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