Driver faces murder charge for allegedly running over elderly woman

A 30-year-old man is facing a murder charge after allegedly intentionally running over and killing an elderly woman in San Francisco.

Valentino Cash Amil was accused of purposefully using his 2024 Mercedes-Benz E350 sedan to strike 74-year-old Dannielle Spillman outside a Chevron gas station on 13 April.

According to a news release from the San Francisco District Attorney's office, Amil was charged with murder, felony leaving the scene of an accident, and a deadly weapon enhancement.

The fatal incident reportedly began when Amil’s vehicle partially blocked the sidewalk while exiting the petrol station.

Spillman, a well-known local musician, confronted Amil before walking in front of his car and spilling liquid from a water bottle onto the hood.

Prosecutors allege that Amil immediately accelerated, hitting Spillman and knocking her onto the windshield before running over her as he fled.

Medics arrived shortly after, but Spillman was pronounced dead within ten minutes. Amil pleaded not guilty on Friday and was denied bail by Judge Lianne Dumas, who expressed concern over his decision to flee.

Defence attorney Seth Morris argued that Amil acted in self-defence, fearing the liquid was gasoline while his wife and children were inside the car.

However, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins maintained that evidence negates this claim, stating Spillman "tragically died for absolutely no reason."

Amil remains in custody and is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on 6 May. Before this tragedy, Spillman was remembered by friends as a vibrant member of the city's LGBTQ+ community.