Docs: Suspect charged with first-degree murder after deliberately hitting Liberty woman

LIBERTY, Mo. (KCTV) - Clay County prosecutors charged a man with first-degree murder after saying he allegedly hit and killed a woman stranded on the side of the road.

The Liberty Police Department responded to the crash near the intersection of La Frenz and Ruth Ewing Roads about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoon.

They determined the driver of a Dodge Ram hit and killed 20-year-old Savanna Churchill of Liberty, Missouri. Police said Churchill stopped her car because of a flat tire near the intersection. She was standing outside of the car when the pickup hit her. Police said Churchill died at the scene from her injuries.

Officers said Zackary Young, 28, of Independence, Missouri, walked away from the crash. Police arrested him several blocks away from the crash.

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Investigators don’t think Young and Churchill knew each other but believe Young deliberately hit the victim with his truck.

According to the probable cause statement, a police officer responding to the crash spoke to Young. The officer said his speech was slow and slurred.

Young later itted to taking prescription medication prior to the crash, according to the probable cause statement. The document also shows Young itted to hitting Churchill on purpose,

Young is charged with first-degree murder and Armed Criminal Action. He is held in Clay County jail on a $1 million bond.

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