Vehicle struck the Carrollton woman before driver fled the scene in Villa Rica
January 12, 2026 | Villa Rica, GA
A tragic hit-and-run crash claimed the life of 36-year-old Brittany Dutton from Carrollton on Jan. 12. Authorities reported that Dutton was struck by a vehicle while walking on Villa Forest Lane, suffering severe injuries, including trauma to her lower extremities, a head wound, and extensive road rash. She was transported to Tanner Health System in Carrollton but was pronounced deceased upon arrival.
Brittany Dutton, 36, of Carrollton, died after a vehicle struck her as a pedestrian on Villa Forest Lane in Villa Rica and the driver left the scene.
The driver fled the scene, prompting a swift investigation by the Carroll County Sheriff's Office. Deputies located the vehicle and identified 24-year-old Mark Enriquez of Carrollton as the suspect after he attempted to conceal it. Enriquez now faces charges of homicide by vehicle, hit and run, aggravated assault, and reckless driving.
What Happened in the Crash?
- Date and Location: Jan. 12, Villa Forest Lane, Villa Rica, GA.
- Victim Details: Brittany Dutton, 36, pedestrian from Carrollton.
- Incident Description: Dutton was hit by a fleeing vehicle, resulting in fatal injuries.
- Response: Emergency services rushed her to Tanner Health System, and she was declared dead at the hospital.
- Suspect: Mark Enriquez, 24, charged with multiple offenses, including homicide by vehicle.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Occur?
Hit-and-run incidents often stem from drivers' fear of consequences, such as intoxication, unlicensed operation, or prior violations. According to the Federal Highway Administration, these crashes contribute significantly to road fatalities nationwide.
Statistic |
Details |
Source |
|---|
Annual Hit-and-Run Fatalities |
Approximately 2,000 people killed each year |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
Trend Since 2009 |
Increase of about 7% annually in hit-and-run deaths |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
Frequency |
More than one hit-and-run crash every minute on U.S. roads |
Federal Highway Administration |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes, independent investigations play a crucial role in establishing accountability.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important in order to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one at the hands of a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve. An attorney can also ensure that hit-and-run drivers are held accountable for their reckless actions.”
- Key Takeaways:
- Timely legal action protects victims' families by gathering evidence on factors like road conditions.
- Proving negligence involves a detailed analysis of visibility, lighting, and driver behavior.
- Compensation may cover medical costs, funeral expenses, and emotional losses.
Pending investigation outcomes, the family of Brittany Dutton may pursue a wrongful death claim. Such claims address losses from negligent acts leading to fatalities, including unsafe driving or fleeing the scene.
“An incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person's death,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, hit-and-run, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free, no-obligation consultation.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).