Sisters killed in hit-and-run on Roosevelt Blvd. ID'd; driver charged

OXFORD CIRCLE (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police have identified the two sisters who were killed in a hit-and-run on the Roosevelt Blvd.

They are 19-year-old Kimberly Phillips and her 10-year-old sister, Loraya Braxton, both of the 6000 block of Large Street.

The driver, 48-year-old Kenneth Ruch, of the 8100 block of Henry Avenue, is charged with two counts each of Homicide by Vehicle, Homicide by Vehicle while DUI, and Involuntary Manslaughter.

It happened at 11:42 p.m. Saturday on the Roosevelt Blvd. at Large Street in the city's Oxford Circle section.

Police say the sisters were crossing the Boulevard on the red light when they were hit by Ruch's Jeep.

Investigators, citing witnesses, say Ruch allegedly sped up and changed lanes as his light changed from green to yellow. He then hit the sisters in the intersection, police say.

Phillips was pronounced dead at the scene. Braxton was rushed to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly before 12:30 a.m.

After striking the sisters, Ruch allegedly continued southbound on the Boulevard, turned off and went to the intersection with Van Kirk, where he was arrested, according to police.

The Action Cam was there as officers took Ruch into custody.

Ruch's wife, who was in the Jeep, was not charged.

Investigators say the sisters were walking home at the time of the incident.