Family, Friends Mourn Loss Of Mt. Holly Teen Killed By Hit-Run Driver
By Robin Rieger
MT. HOLLY, NJ (CBS) -- "I really just wanted him to come home," cried Kimberly Hall of Mt. Holly.
She can't stop the tears as she thinks about the loss of her son, 16-year-old Charbinau Hall.
"When I came here, that's where I seen my son laying dead," she said.
Referred to as "Shawny" by family and friends, the Rancocas Valley High School sophomore was struck and killed by a car along the Mt. Holly bypass on Friday night on his way back from a store.
According to police, 52-year-old Kevin Vorhees of Hainesport was behind the wheel. Charges against him include driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
"Why didn't you stop? Why did you keep going, you left him there," Hall wondered as she cried.
She and her friend Michelle Pettis stood by a memorial along the highway where high school friends of Shawny have been paying their respects. Grief counselors were on hand at school for students Tuesday.
"Friday in school, Shawn was here, and today, they walk into class and there's an empty seat cause Shawn's not here," said high school guidance counselor Dawn Flanagan.
"I think if you asked a hundred people, you'd get a common theme, which is that he brightened a room," said Superintendent Dr. Jerry Jellig.
Hall was a jokester, played football and lacrosse and was his mom's best friend.
"He helped me do everything. My son was my backbone," Kimberly Hall said.
There was no comment from anyone at Vorhees' home. He made bail, but Hall's mom wants to see him prosecuted. The Department of Motor Vehicles confirms that Vorhees had had his license suspended for a DUI in 1995.
"I hope he doesn't sleep, I know I don't," said Hall.
The family is grateful to a witness who got a license plate number at the scene, and to friends who are now making a donation through the high school to help with funeral arrangements.
