Troy, Alabama – A Mississippi man has been charged in connection with a fatal pedestrian hit-and-run in Troy, authorities confirmed. The incident left 59-year-old Annie Laura Cooper dead after she was struck by a vehicle on U.S. 231 South last week.
Fatal Hit-and-Run Incident
According to the Troy Police Department (TPD), officers responded to the 100 block of U.S. 231 South on Sunday, December 21, following reports of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Annie Laura Cooper, a 59-year-old Troy resident, in the roadway with injuries consistent with a vehicle impact. Despite emergency efforts, Cooper was pronounced dead at the scene.
The case was immediately referred to TPD’s Traffic Homicide Unit for further investigation.
Investigation Leads to Mississippi
Through investigative efforts, authorities traced the case to Lucedale, Mississippi, on Saturday, December 27. Officers obtained a search warrant for a residence in Lucedale, where they located the vehicle involved in the crash and identified the suspected driver.
Arrest and Charges
Following the investigation, an arrest warrant was issued for Malvin Geovany Villalbos-Bonilla, 45, of Lucedale, Mississippi, on a felony charge of leaving the scene of an accident with death.
Both Villalbos-Bonilla and the vehicle were transported to Troy, where he was processed at Troy City Jail before being transferred to Pike County Jail. He is currently held on a $250,000 bond.
Immigration Status and ICE Notification
During the investigation, TPD determined that Villalbos-Bonilla is from Honduras and is believed to be in the United States illegally, having been deported previously. Authorities have notified U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding the charge filed against him.
Law Enforcement Coordination
TPD thanked the Lucedale Police Department and the Pike County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in the investigation. Officials emphasized that the probe is still ongoing, as they continue to gather evidence related to the crash.
“This was a tragic loss for the Troy community, and we are committed to thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding Ms. Cooper’s death,” TPD said in a press release.
Community Safety and Awareness
Authorities urge residents to exercise caution when driving in areas with high pedestrian traffic and to remain at the scene in the event of an accident. Investigators also remind the public of the dangers of hit-and-run incidents, which are both illegal and potentially deadly.
What measures do you think communities can take to prevent pedestrian fatalities caused by reckless or fleeing drivers? How can neighbors and authorities work together to improve road safety?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and help raise awareness about pedestrian safety in Troy and surrounding areas.
