Wake Forest High student killed in hit-run

RALEIGH — A Wake Forest High School student died after a hit and run accident in Raleigh last night (Thursday).

Eleventh grader Justice Yasmeen Smith, 16, of Courtney Lane, Raleigh, was crossing North New Hope Road at Water Oak Drive at 9:40 p.m. when she was struck by a 2005 Dodge minivan traveling south, according to Raleigh police.

The impact knocked her to the ground, then she was struck by a 2000 Buick following the first vehicle.
Smith was taken to WakeMed, where she later died.

The second driver, Elizabeth Depoy Gray, also of Raleigh, stopped immediately, but the driver of the Dodge fled the scene.

Today, Raleigh police arrested William Creamont Beardy, 36, 5056 Babbling Brook Drive, Raleigh, and charged him with felony hit-and-run involving death or serious injury.

A Wake Schools official said counselors will be available to talk to Wake Forest High students Wednesday. Monday is the Martin Luther King Dr. holiday and Tuesday is a teacher workday.
—David Leone